The Captain of the Balmoral cruise ship, Bent Ivar Gangdal makes a public statement regarding the condition of passengers at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk, Va., on Friday, April 29, 2016. Some passengers of the ship have been sickened with norovirus and are currently in isolation. (Hyunsoo Leo Kim/The Virginian-Pilot via AP) MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
The Associated Press
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - 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.
The Captain of the Balmoral cruise ship, Bent Ivar Gangdal makes a public statement regarding the condition of passengers at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk, Va., on Friday, April 29, 2016. Some passengers of the ship have been sickened with norovirus and are currently in isolation. (Hyunsoo Leo Kim/The Virginian-Pilot via AP) MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
The Associated Press
The life boats of the Balmoral cruise ship sail on the Elizabeth River as the ship is docked at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk, Va. on Friday, April 29, 2016. Some passengers of the ship have been sickened with norovirus and are currently in isolation. (Hyunsoo Leo Kim/The Virginian-Pilot via AP) MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
The Associated Press
The Balmoral, operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, is docked at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk, Va., on Friday, April 29, 2016. Some passengers of the ship have been sickened with norovirus and are currently in isolation. (Hyunsoo Leo Kim/The Virginian-Pilot via AP) MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
The Associated Press