MIAMI – Florida ranks second in the nation for confirmed norovirus outbreaks, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The highly contagious virus, often referred to as the “stomach bug,” is spreading rapidly this season, particularly in crowded settings like cruise ships.

“Norovirus is a highly infectious virus that causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea,” said Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious disease specialist. “This is the time of year we typically see norovirus cases peak, especially in the winter, with all the traveling.”

Between Sept. 1, 2023, and Oct. 31, 2024, Florida reported 24 confirmed norovirus outbreaks, the second highest in the nation, according to the CDC.

Cruise ships were among the hardest hit, with 16 outbreaks reported in 2024 alone. Five of those occurred in December, sickening 890 passengers and crew members.

“I wish I would have known before we went,” said Tamara Holmes, who recently returned from a holiday cruise. “We took precautions: washing our hands, trying to keep a safe distance from everybody as best as we could.”

Monica Greidinger, preparing for a flight at Miami International Airport, advised fellow travelers to take extra precautions. “If you’re sick, don’t travel,” she told CBS News Miami. “I suggest going back to basics, wearing face masks-that’s all we can do.”

However, experts warn that masks alone may not prevent norovirus infections. “The most important thing is to wash your hands,” said Dr. Gounder.

“Alcohol-based sanitizers don’t work well for this virus. It’s also critical to sanitize food preparation areas and any surfaces that could be contaminated.”

There is no specific treatment for norovirus, which typically lasts one to three days.

Doctors recommend that infected individuals stay home, rest, and hydrate with water to recover.

MIAMI – A Miami man was arrested over the weekend after he cut his roommate’s ear with a scissor, authorities said.

According to an arrest report from the Miami Police Department, the incident occurred Saturday night.

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Police said the victim and suspect, Felipe Cobo Brito, 30, have lived together for a year.

According to the report, Cobo Brito admitted to police that he got into an argument with the victim about paying rent and moving out, but claimed that the victim grabbed him by his shirt as he was sitting on the bed and pulled him to the floor, causing him to scrape his knees.

Police said Cobo Brito repeatedly changed his story, however, going on to claim that he was sitting on the kitchen table when he was pulled to the floor and then that he was inside the bathroom when he was grabbed by the shirt and pulled.

According to the report, Cobo Brito claimed to not know how the victim’s right earlobe was cut.

Police said the victim told them he was by the front doorstep when Cobo Brito’s brother, Francisco Cobo, held his arms behind his back as Cobo Brito cut his ear with scissors.

The victim said he then went into the bathroom and laid on the floor as the brothers kicked him in the stomach while laughing.

According to the report, Cobo fled the scene before police arrived.

Cobo Brito, however, was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

As of Monday afternoon, he remained held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $7,500 bond.

The Tennessee Titans are officially on the clock. After the New England Patriots ended up winning in Week 18, the Titans will hold the No. 1 overall pick.

Landing the top pick could not have come at a better time. Tennessee badly needs to find a new franchise quarterback after it has become clear that Will Levis isn’t that guy and Mason Rudolph most certainly isn’t either.

At the top of the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward appear to be the top two quarterbacks on the board. If the Titans want one of those two guys, they will have their pick.

With that being said, it sounds like Tennessee has heavy interest in one of them.

According to a report from Benjamin Allbright, Tennessee is “rumored to love Cam Ward” and could make him the No. 1 overall pick.

Ward is coming off of a massive season with the Miami Hurricanes during the 2024 college football season. He took his game to a completely new level and has set himself up to be potentially be the top pick in the draft.

He ended up completing 67.2 percent of his pass attempts for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He also picked up 204 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Standing in at 6-foot-2 and just under 225 pounds, Ward has great size for an NFL quarterback. He has solid athleticism to extend plays and he has a big-time arm.

On the outside looking in, he looks the part of a potential NFL franchise quarterback.

Of course, there are no guarantees in the NFL Draft. Taking any player is a gamble.

Passing up on Sanders for Ward would also put a lot of pressure on the young signal caller. A lot of people have been expecting Sanders to be the top pick, but the Titans might like Ward more.

Only time will tell, but the offseason is going to be wild. Fans should buckle up and get ready for a ton of rumors and speculation about what Tennessee could end up doing.

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