The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department is investigating numerous possible cases of norovirus at a local care facility.

Dr. William Mercer said 20 people have been sickened since Dec. 5 at the Peterson Rehabilitation Center and Geriatric Center off of National Road in Wheeling.

Norovirus is a group of related viruses including Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses that can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The virus has struck cruise ships in the past, but the last reported case in Wheeling was about eight years ago.

Mercer said health officials are concerned that many of the patients at Peterson are already in poor health, and norovirus would further complicate their condition.

Some patients have been transferred from Peterson to local hospitals for treatment.

Stay with NEWS9 as details become available.

-Renee Cardelli & John Paul, NEWS9