A new strain of norovirus is spreading throughout the United States and currently is the leading cause of reported intestinal illnesses, according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Kris Eveland, clinical lab analyst, tests specimens for norovirus.

The State Hygienic Laboratory is searching for the new strain and, to date, has confirmed two cases in Iowa.

"The Laboratory is doing everything possible to help search for this new strain," said Michael Pentella, Ph.D., associate director of the Hygienic Laboratory and head of the Disease Control Division.

The GII.4 Sydney strain of norovirus was first detected last year in Australia. It spread to the United Kingdom where it sickened an estimated one million people.

Like other strains of norovirus, GII.4 is more contagious than influenza and spreads quickly. It can survive and remain on hard surfaces for weeks, depending on environmental conditions. It spreads when people have contact with others who are infected, when they consume contaminated food or water, or when they touch contaminated objects.

Symptoms of norovirus are vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain and sometimes fever, headache and body aches.

The best defense against contracting norovirus is to thoroughly wash hands with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom and changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.

Each year in the United States norovirus causes an estimated 70,000 hospitalizations and 800 deaths.