Respiratory illness activity is currently considered "high" in the United States, according to the CDC. In one state, it is at a "very high" level.

Outbreaks of the highly contagious stomach virus are more than double what they were last year at the time, CDC says. Protect yourself by washing hands with soap often — antibacterial gel doesn't work well against the virus.

The latest government data shows that cases of a fast-spreading stomach bug are surging in parts of the United States. The most recent numbers from the U.S.

According to the latest CDC data, there were 91 outbreaks of norovirus reported during the week of Dec. 5. During the last week of November, there were 69 outbreaks, The Associated Press reported. In Minnesota, more than 40 outbreaks were reported in December, according to that state’s Department of Health.