Projectile vomiting rising in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health alerts us that the state is currently seeing "a significant number of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks," likely caused by norovirus infections. More than 60 hospitals and long-term care facilities have been hit, the state says.

State health offficials say residents can take several simple steps to keep the virus down - such as washing your hands after changing diapers and before eating. Also: Steam your oysters. If you do come down with an infection, copious use of bleach on vomited-upon surfaces and hot-water washing of possibly infected linens are a must.