Norovirus outbreaks seen in Beijing, Guangdong, Zhejiang

Outbreaks of norovirus have been reported in parts of China, including Beijing and south China's Guangdong province and Zhejiang province in the country's east.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention says this year's outbreak is more serious than before, with a significant increase in the number of infections. In Beijing, in the first week of 2015, seven cases were reported among children in schools, with one hundred and eleven infections total. In Guangdong province, classes were suspended after 140 students were sickened by the virus at a school in Shenzhen.

Experts say winter is peak season for Norovirus. They have warned the public, especially children, to reduce eating out and traveling. Norovirus is a highly-contagious stomach virus. Its symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever and body aches. Usually patients recover within several days.