Michigan Named a Norovirus Hotspot in New 10-Year Study

If winter in Michigan wasn't already festive enough — with the slush, the potholes, and your car refusing to start — let's sprinkle in the season's real star: norovirus, the "winter vomiting bug" or "stomach flu" that spreads faster than help lights at the Meijer self-checkout stand.

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Michigan Ranks High for Norovirus Outbreaks

A new study from Traceone reveals that over the last 10 years, Michigan has racked up more than 1,000 norovirus outbreaks, putting us in the top 7 states in America. Wisconsin may lead the pack, but Michigan holds its own. Apparently, the virus enjoys lake-effect snow and passive-aggressive holiday gatherings as much as we do.

Where Michiganders Catch Norovirus Most

Long-term care facilities top the list. Communal dining, close quarters, and staff doing their best with bleach. They're basically all-inclusive resorts for germs. Next up: schools and universities, because nothing bonds a student body quite like a synchronized stomach flu.

Then we have restaurants, from fast food to sit-down, to "it looked clean enough." If it involves shared surfaces or communal food, it's a norovirus buffet. And of course: daycares, where tiny humans trade germs like Pokémon cards.

What the Traceone Study Reveals

According to the Traceone study, Midwestern states dominate the outbreak rankings — because when it's freezing outside, we huddle inside together like a giant, shivering Petri dish. Perfect conditions for viral outbreaks.

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So this winter, wash your hands like you're prepping for surgery, avoid buffets with suspicious sneeze guards, and maybe don't share drinks with your cousin Chad because norovirus loves Michigan a little too much.