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CHARLOTTE – Dr. Mark Collins has seen more cases of norovirus in his office this past month and he's not alone. Cases of the gastrointestinal illness rose in January across the state.

"Very quickly you could go from one sick person to four or five sick people in the household and then spread it to your neighbors and friends," said Collins, of Cotswold Medical Clinic.

Norovirus is easily passed around, but doctors say the stomach bug is also easily prevented. They recommend bleach based household cleaners and good handwashing help kill the virus.

"For kids, I usually coach them on singing the ABC's while you wash your hands or 'Happy Birthday' song that causes them to wash their hands for a good length of time," said Collins
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Staying home when sick is also important and health officials said too many people go to work or send children to school before they're healthy.

Some other things that increase your risk of contracting norovirus include living with a child who attends preschool or a child care center; staying in hotels, vacation resorts, cruise ships or other destinations where there are many people in close quarters; and living in close quarters, such as nursing homes and retirement centers.

There is no medication nor vaccine for norovirus.

"Certainly if you've been sick for more than 48 hours and dehydration is a concern, you need to seek medical care," he said.