Norovirus cases on the rise throughout California, health experts say

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- California Department of Public Health officials said there is an uptick of Norovirus cases this year across the state.

According to health officials, the bug is resistant to hand sanitizer and it is recommended that people wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Since Oct. 1, health officials said there have been 32 outbreaks in California. There was one at Chapman University in November that sickened 50 students. The virus can spread quickly and people can be infected by direct contact with someone who has it.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, muscle aches and abdominal pain. Doctors recommend those who may have it should wait 48 hours after the symptoms go away to return to work.

Doctors also said those who have been infected before can get it again. About 20 million people get sick every year, and the disease is responsible for hundreds of deaths.