It’s the holiday guest no one invited.

The notorious “winter vomiting disease” is spreading rapidly across the country, with cases of the potentially deadly virus doubling over the past few months as Americans head into peak party season.

Health officials are sounding the alarm, urging the public to take steps to protect themselves from the highly contagious stomach bug. Here’s everything you need to know to stay one step ahead of it.

What is the “winter vomiting disease”?

Better known as norovirus, this microscopic menace is the nation’s leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis, which inflames the stomach and intestines, according to the CDC .

It’s also the top source of foodborne illness in the US, responsible for nearly 60% of all cases.

Each year, about

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