(FOX 9) – The holidays are behind us, but one thing you still want to be vigilant about is the rise in illnesses after spending time with loved ones.

Sickness outbreaks

What we know: Health experts are keeping an eye on COVID-19, the Flu and RSV.

Meanwhile, they’ve noticed an outbreak of norovirus, also known as the stomach flu.

“We’re at about 60 outbreaks reported, and that means more than 1,200 people were sick,” said Amy Saupe, Senior Epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health.

While that’s a small portion of all the illnesses in the state at the time, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) says it’s seen twice as many outbreaks reported as it typically would see for the month of December.

“We’re seeing the test positive rates and the total positive tests in these large laboratory systems increasing,” said Dr. Frank Rhame, Infectious Disease Physician with Allina Health.

What you can do

Sickness prevention: Experts say the best way to protect yourself from getting unwanted vomiting and diarrhea, is by doing the basics.

“Always wash your hands 20 seconds, soap and water before eating anything, just in case you’ve touched something that might have norovirus on it,” said Saupe.

Experts also say if you’re sick – don’t prepare food for others.

As for respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, RSV and the Flu?

“We are lower now than we were at this time last year,” said Melissa McMahon, Epidemiology Supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Health.

But lower doesn’t necessarily mean your chances are lower.

MDH says COVID-19 has been fairly high, but steady in the last month. The flu and RSV are both on the rise just in the last two to three weeks.

“It is kind of common to see that increase right after the holidays, people tend to travel a lot. They get together in big groups,” said McMahon.

Health experts add they don’t expect the rise in illnesses to end until at least March. But they do expect an uptick in the next couple of months.

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Ice Castles at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds are set to open to the public on Friday.

Minnesota Ice Castles

What we know: Ice Castles announced on Thursday that crews have been working around the clock to battle the recent warm temperatures, and their hard work has paid off as the frozen attraction is slated to open at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3.

The ice castles are a favorite winter attraction in Minnesota each year. Crews built ice structures lit up with LED lights embedded in the ice that create a sparkling spectacle. This year’s winter wonderland will include ice slides, caverns, archways, crawl tunnels, ice sculptures, a fire show, an ice bar and more. 

What they’re saying: “We are thrilled to open the icy gates for Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts and make up for last year’s lack of winter. This year, we’re bringing the enchanting magic of Ice Castles to life, infused with the excitement and flair of Minnesota State Fair cuisine,” said Kyle Standifird, CEO of Ice Castles. “The natural beauty of the fairgrounds’ tree-lined landscapes combines perfectly with the wonder of our frozen creations, creating a truly magical destination to experience.”

Dig deeper: Last year, the Ice Castles were held in Maple Grove, but due to an unusually warm winter in Minnesota, it had an abbreviated season and closed after only a little over a week. In previous years, the attraction was held in New Brighton, Eden Prairie, Stillwater and Excelsior.

Tickets can be purchased online and start at $17 for general admission and $12 for children. To learn more, visit the Ice Castles website here. 

A former Minnesota Lynx fan favorite has announced her retirement from the WNBA. Veteran point guard, Danielle Robinson, kicked off the new year by announcing her retirement from the WNBA on Wednesday via an Instagram post.

“After 14 incredible years in the WNBA, I’m officially announcing my retirement from basketball,” Robinson wrote on Instagram. “From dreaming about the Houston Comets as a young girl to living my dream in the W, this journey has been truly amazing.”

Robinson calls it a career after spending 14 seasons in the league. Over her time in the WNBA, Robinson played for the San Antonio Stars (2011-15), Phoenix Mercury (2017), Lynx (2018-19), Las Vegas Aces (2020), Indiana Fever (2021-22) and most recently the Atlanta Dream (2023).

Spending her collegiate career at Oklahoma, Robinson entered the WNBA in 2011 after being drafted by San Antonio with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft.

The veteran guard arrived in Minnesota via trade prior to the 2018 campaign, quickly becoming a fan favorite among the Lynx faithful with her personality and involvement off the court — which included giving back to and volunteering within the local community on numerous occasions — and her fire, energy and skill as a floor general on the court.

In her first season in Minnesota in 2018, Robinson appeared in 28 games and started two of them with the Lynx. That season, she averaged 6.5 points, 3.3 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 0.9 steals over 18.6 minutes per contest. She also finished fourth in voting for the WNBA’s Sixth Women of the Year award.

In her final year in Minnesota in 2019, Robinson took over for the recently retired Lindsay Whalen as the starting point guard for the Lynx, appearing in 34 games and starting in 25. That season, she had one of her best seasons in the WNBA, averaging 10.1 points, 3.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals over 27.0 minutes per game.

After the 2019 campaign, Robinson entered free agency and signed with Las Vegas before making a few additional stops to round out her career.

“To my coaches: thank you for shaping both the player and person I am today. To my teammates: you’ve become sisters and family. And to all the support staff, medical teams, and arena personnel: your dedication made this journey possible,” Robinson said on Instagram.

“As I close this chapter, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead.”