Doctors say your best defense at staying healthy is to keep your hands clean.

They're urging more people than ever to do that, as another round of the Norovirus makes its way through central Kentucky.

The stomach virus is sending lots of people to the doctor, and experts say no one is immune to it.

Health professionals say they've seen an increase in cases of Norovirus around central Kentucky in recent days.

Norovirus causes gastroenteritis, which is the inflammation in the lining of the stomach and intestines.

Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Several cases have occurred among health care workers and patients.

"It usually happens in the summertime," Dr. Fadi Bacha, of the Urgent Treatment Center, said. "It can affect any age group. Usually you see it more common in a confined area like camp, nursing homes, hospitals, jails, and schools."

The way the virus is contracted is by eating contaminated food, by touching contaminated surfaces, or having direct contact with someone who is infected.

Norovirus is highly contagious. Doctors say the best prevention is to wash your hands frequently.

There is no vaccine to prevent Norovirus and no drug to treat those infected. Doctors say hand sanitizers they normally recommend during cold and flu season won't work for the Norovirus