LANSING (AP) — Health officials in Michigan are warning that a virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping is making its rounds. Michigan’s Health and Human Services department has identified increases in norovirus activity, which often peaks during the winter.

The viruses also can cause low-grade fever, headache, weakness and muscle aches. Symptoms can begin as early as 12 hours after exposure to the virus or as late as 72 hours. They usually last one to three days. The state says that in most cases, ill individuals fully recover without medical attention.

Norovirus easily is spread through food, by person-to-person contact or through contaminated surfaces. Officials say frequent hand-washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm running water is the best way to limit the spread of the norovirus.