Norovirus, also known as the stomach bug, is spreading across the U.S. Here's what to know about the contagious virus and how best to prevent an infection.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show cases of norovirus, the highly contagious stomach bug, are surging in the U.S.

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

"It is too early to tell if this strain is associated with more severe norovirus disease but likely lower population immunity is the reason for the early surge of an otherwise seasonal increase of this virus," Jan Vinjé, head of the CDC's CaliciNet system, told CBS News in an email.

If COVID-19 taught us anything it's that washing your hands is often the best thing to do to prevent the spread of infections, including norovirus.

The most common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. The virus may also cause body aches, fever and headaches, according to the CDC.