Minnesota health officials are warning of an outbreak of a highly contagious illness: norovirus. The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting 40 outbreaks of norovirus, otherwise known as the stomach flu.

The Minnesota Department of Health on Monday said over 40 outbreaks of the stomach virus have been reported this month, which is almost twice the usual number. The illness, also called the stomach flu, causes vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping, and may also cause a low-grade fever or chills, headaches and muscle aches.

The department defines an outbreak as an incident in which two or more persons experience a similar illness after a common exposure.

The has received more than 40 reports of norovirus outbreaks so far this December, almost twice the usual number. The department as an incident in which two or more persons experience a similar illness after a common exposure.

The Minnesota Department of Health says there have been more than 40 reported norovirus outbreaks this December, nearly double the usual number. Norovirus, also known as the stomach flu, is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhea.