- - How to disinfect if the stomach bug hits your home

Greta Cross and Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY December 19, 2025 at 12:14 AM

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How to disinfect if the stomach bug hits your home

It's the time of the year for holiday cheer, but also the season for coughing, sneezing and everything in between.

Cases of common winter illness, such as COVID-19, influenza and norovirus, are spreading far and wide in schools and offices. The week of Dec. 8, norovirus activity was considered "high" by WasteWaterSCAN, a tool managed by Stanford University for tracking pathogens in wastewater. More specifically, WasteWaterSCAN analyzed a 42% increase of norovirus in the median concentration since November.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC. It is often called "stomach flu" or "stomach bug." However, norovirus is not the same as influenza. Common norovirus symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache and body aches.

As the stomach bug continues to make its way around, here's what to know about norovirus and how to clean up properly when around someone who is sick.

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How does norovirus spread?

Norovirus spreads easily. Common ways the virus gets around is by direct contact with someone with an infection, eating or drinking after a person with an infection or touching objects after then, according to the CDC.

Norovirus can be spread up to two weeks after an individual feels better.

How to disinfect after the norovirus

After someone who has norovirus vomits or has diarrhea, the CDC recommends the following:

Disinfect the areas a contagious person touched with a chlorine bleach solution (5-25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water) or use an EPA-approved disinfecting product.

Leave the disinfectant on the surface for at least five minutes before washing away with soap and hot water.

Wear rubber of disposable gloves when cleaning surfaces.

Wash laundry, take out the trash and wash your hands.

If clothes or bedding get vomit or feces on them, the CDC recommends washing with detergent and hot water for a washing machine's maximum cycle length. Then, dry the items at the highest dry setting. Make sure to wash hands with hot soap and water after putting the items in the washer.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Norovirus is on the rise. Here's how to disinfect your home.

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