Norovirus sickens 159 on cruise ship docked in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. -- Passengers on a cruise ship docked in Virginia have been sickened with norovirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the Balmoral, which is docked Friday in Norfolk, reports 159 crew and passengers have reported being sick. The ship operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines left Britain April 16.

A company spokeswoman, Ruth Burton, says conditions have improved and there are currently just seven guests in isolation. There are more than 1,400 passengers and crew aboard.

The CDC says it plans to have staff to evaluate the ship when it arrives in Baltimore on Saturday or Sunday.

Norovirus can be transmitted from contaminated food or water or an infected person. The gastrointestinal illness typically lasts one to three days and can cause stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.