Published: Saturday, January 01, 2011, 5:00 PM     Updated: Sunday, January 02, 2011, 7:35 AM

FLINT — The norovirus, which is blamed for making people severely ill with stomach flu-like symptoms, is spreading in Genesee County.

More cases of the diarrhea- and vomiting-inducing virus have been reported in the past few weeks, said Fatema Mamou, an epidemiologist at the Genesee County Health Department. Although the department doesn’t have statistics on hand for how many cases have been reported so far, it has received more reports of people becoming ill.

The virus is highly contagious, so people who feel like they’re coming down with the stomach flu should avoid contact with others, Mamou said.

“Prevention is key,” she said.

A person who becomes ill should no prepare food for others. Disinfecting areas with bleach will help the virus stop from spreading.

Lucky Strictland, 19, said she often disinfects the home she shares with a roommate because germs spread quickly. she hasn’t gotten sick even though her roommate has been ill twice this year, she said.

“I Lysol a lot in my house,” the University of Michigan-Flint student said.

Frequent, thorough (20 seconds or more) hand washing with warm water and soap can help prevent the virus’ spread, but alcohol-based hand sanitizer isn’t always effective, Mamou said. That’s where the virus differs from the flu — it is more resilient and can live on surfaces for days.

Contact with a contaminated person’s vomit or feces puts someone at a higher risk of getting sick, Mamou said. Soiled clothes and sheets are hotbeds for infection and should be washed on the hottest setting possible.

Dr. Dhiraj Bedi, of Genesys Regional Medical Center, said she’s been seeing two to three cases of the norovirus each week.

Although it occurs all year, it spreads more easily during the cold months because people come into contact with each other more often.

For those who do become sick, it’s important to stay hydrated, Bedi said. Drinking water, Gatorade or drinks infused with electrolytes will help you regain your strength.