WHEELING, W.Va. -- Just days after the norovirus struck Peterson Rehabilitation and Geriatric Center, many patients at Wheeling Hospital's continuous care have also fallen ill with similar symptoms.

A total of 83 cases has been reported. Fifty-five of those have been confirmed at Peterson, 10 of which are still active. Twenty-eight suspected cases have been reported at Wheeling Hospital continuous care, 17 of which are still active.

Test samples from the Peterson center already confirmed the presence of norovirus. Samples from Wheeling Hospital's continuous care unit were sent to the lab Wednesday, but the results are pending.

Both facilities are taking precaution. Visitors are restricted, and no new patients are being admitted. Sick staff members are being told to stay home. Washing hands is mandatory, and cleaning crews are using a 10 percent bleach solution to try to disinfect surfaces.

Norovirus is actually the name for a group of viruses. It is quite common but can be devastating in older populations.

The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping. It usually strikes suddenly and spreads quickly in isolated populations like nursing homes. The main problem is dehydration, which is why both facilities are keeping a close watch on residents' fluid intake.

Dr. William Mercer of the Ohio County Board of Health said norovirus in this type of setting can lead to more serious ailments.

"When it's a nursing home or you have medical problems, it can be very severe with the dehydration that can lead to kidney failure, heart failure, heart attack," Mercer said.

Dr. Dennis Niess of Wheeling Hospital said it is possible the infection could spread to the hospital, so medical officials are enforcing strict hand washing and discouraging visitors who may be ill from visiting other patients at the hospital.

"As of this time ... we're not sure if (the illnesses) are due to any specific virus," said Niess.

Health officials said the number of active infections is decreasing, and the facilities will return to normal 48 hours after the last reported infection.

Norovirus is spread by eating or drinking liquids contaminated by the virus or by touching contaminated surfaces then putting the hands in the mouth. It is not spread through coughing.

To prevent the spread of norovirus, medical professionals say to wash hands often, wash fruits and vegetable, disinfect contaminated surfaces with bleach and immediately wash clothes that could be contaminated.

Stay with NEWS9 for continuing coverage.

-Renee Cardelli, Jackie Cain & John Paul, NEWS9