Illness is sweeping Peterson Rehabilitation Hospital and Geriatric Center in Wheeling.

"Oh my god I was shocked,” said Kelly Evanko, a visitor to Peterson Rehabilitation and Geriatric Center. “I had no idea. I saw the sign on the elevator that said no one was allowed on the 2nd floor."

The nursing home started noticing a problem on December 5th, when multiple residents came down with the same illness.

Dr. William mercer of the Ohio County Health Department said it's likely the Norovirus. That is the virus that has swept through cruise ships recently.

But when it happens in an isolated, elderly population the results can be devastating.

“They could have a heart attack, make them more susceptible to pneumonia, kidneys fail,” said Mercer. “It could cascade into a lot of serious problems."

The outbreak has sickened about 20 people so far. They are trying to stop the spread by containing it and sealing off the second floor.

That means people like Martha Hickman couldn’t visit her sister at the nursing home.

“We didn't even get to see her today,” said Hickman. “We came here and we didn't even get to see her."

Crews are thoroughly cleaning the building to ensure it doesn't spread any further. They say the residents on the second floor understand the inconvenience.

"They're very cooperative,” said Barb LaRue, the House Supervisor. “They're staying in their rooms, staying in their wings, trying to keep well."

Mercer said a few people have been taken to the hospital as a precaution. The state is now investigating the outbreak.

John Paul, NEWS9