Minnesota health officials are warning of an outbreak of a highly contagious illness: norovirus.The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting 40 cases of norovirus, otherwise known as the stomach flu.

The department defines an outbreak as an incident in which two or more persons experience a similar illness after a common exposure.

Minnesota is facing a significant increase in norovirus outbreaks this December. The Minnesota Department of Health has reported over 40 outbreaks, nearly doubling the usual number. Norovirus is highly contagious and the leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the state.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – So far in December, over 40 outbreaks of norovirus have been reported in Minnesota. The state’s Department of Health (MDH) says that is almost twice the usual number.

Doctors are seeing an uptick of reports of norovirus symptoms this holiday season. It is especially surprising that one of the first federal agencies to come under scrutiny from the incoming administration is one that has returned billions of dollars to many of the same consumers who were counting on leaders in Washington to look out for their wallets.