The Bay State is apparently not immune to the surge in nasty stomach bug cases across the country. Norovirus cases have reportedly spiked in Massachusetts over the last few months, according to data from the Department of Public Health.

Noroviruses, also known as food poisoning or the stomach bug, are “ common and highly contagious ,” according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. About 1 in 15 people across the U.S. get the virus annually, experts said.

Local health care facilities have advised residents to be on the lookout for patients presenting with norovirus symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, body ache, headache and fever.

As if cold and flu season weren't bad enough, this winter is turning out to be a particularly bad one for stomach bugs. By December 11, 495 outbreaks of norovirus had been reported nationwide, compared to 393 outbreaks the same time last year,

Only certain cleaners kill norovirus, a leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea and foodborne illness. Why is that?

Norovirus, which causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea, has seen a surge in recent weeks. It spreads quickly and can run through an entire family.