RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - While norovirus cases are surging across the country, local health officials say while Virginia is not seeing a spike in outbreaks yet, residents should remain vigilant.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is urging thorough hand washing as winter germs take hold.

Experts say frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water is the best defense against the virus.

“Especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, sneezing, coughing and before and after preparing foods,” said MaryBeth DeMarco, senior epidemiologist in the Foodborne Diseases Division of VDH. “Virginia has had 271 unknown viral gastrointestinal illness outbreaks, 43 of which are confirmed norovirus outbreaks reported so far in 2025.”

Dr. Raj Malhotra, chief medical officer at Chippenham Hospital, says gastrointestinal illnesses are on the rise.

“There are some pockets where it’s a little bit more active within the state. So, you know, they break it down to Central, Southwest, etc. Northern Virginia is seeing a little bit more of a spike right now than we are,” Malhotra said. “Really, they’ve not seen a true norovirus outbreak, per se, in Richmond, but we are seeing an upward trend in GI like illness, which norovirus could be part of.”

The virus causes fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Malhotra says norovirus is highly contagious because people can still spread it for days after feeling better.

“Because it’s a GI illness, the big things we do worry about, especially in elderly and young people, is going to be dehydration, you know, between vomiting and diarrhea. But then it can be three to seven days after that period where you felt sick, where you’re still potentially contagious to other people,” Malhotra said.

Large gatherings during the holidays tend to spread the virus faster.