COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- State health officials say a stomach virus is quickly spreading across South Carolina.

The Department of Health and Environmental Control says the state has seen twice the normal number of Norovirus cases so far this year.

The Norovirus usually causes vomiting or diarrhea for a day or two. It is spread easily, especially in places with a lot of people like schools and nursing homes.

Doctors say the best way to fight the virus is to frequently wash hands and make sure shared surfaces like doorknobs and handrails in public places are properly cleaned often.

DHEC says most people recover from the virus without medical treatment, but anyone with symptoms that persist should go to the doctor.

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