Winter Vomiting Bug: New Strain Of Norovirus Found In Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting the discovery of a new strain of norovirus, the most common cause of sudden intestinal illness, in Minnesota.

Winter Vomiting Bug Causing Stomach Flu In Minnesota

The new strain, GII.17 Kawasaki, caused a number of outbreaks in Asia last winter and had cropped up sporadically in a number of US cases throughout the year, culminating in an outbreak in Minnesota last week.

“Every few years, a new strain of norovirus emerges and causes many illnesses. We don’t know yet if this new strain will lead to an increase in the number of outbreaks reported, but it could,” Amy Saupe, a foodborne disease epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), said. “If we’re meticulous about washing our hands and handling food properly, we may be able to limit the impact.”

The virus causes diarrhea and/or vomiting and, contrary to popular belief, is not related to influenza.