ROCKINGHAM COUNTY -- Outbreaks of the norovirus are on the rise. It's a virus which affects the stomach and the intestines.

A new strain of the virus has appeared and its been causing complications. Like the flu, it is highly contagious and both viruses can infect you at the same time.

Most viruses need thousands of particles to make you sick, but Dr. Dale Carroll, a doctor at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, said norovirus isn't like most viruses.

“The norovirus is really kind of a little stinky virus because if it can infect you with 18 to 20 virus particles and then it hangs around for two weeks after you get better. It's no wonder that it can cause outbreaks like that.”

Doctors at RMH have seen a few cases, but nothing out of the ordinary.

They say that hand sanitizer doesn't kill norovirus. Instead, you should wash your hands with hot soapy water to prevent spreading the virus.

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