Dozens fall ill after attending cheerleading championship
VANCOUVER, Wash. - Health officials in Washington are investigating an illness that has sickened dozens of students and staff members at schools around the state.
All of those who fell ill had attended a state cheerleading championship at Comcast Arena in Everett over the weekend.
More than 3,000 people were at the event and more than 1,000 competed, according to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA).
"Our immediate concerns are for those who have been affected by this illness and our thoughts are with them," WIAA Executive Director Mike Colbrese said in a news release. "The WIAA appreciates the cooperation of Comcast Arena and of state and local health partners for addressing the entire scope of this situation."
Locally, three students and four adults from the Vancouver School District, which sent cheer squads from both Skyview High School and Columbia River High School, have fallen ill.
The district reports that all of those who are sick are from Columbia River High School. They are checking with Skyview as well but said they would not have any information on that school until Thursday.
Two cases have been reported from the Kelso area as well, according to the Longview Daily News, and schools in Camas, Battle Ground, Longview and Chehalis may also be affected.
Further north, there have been illnesses reported from high schools in Marysville, Juanita, Ballard, Sammamish and Mount Si.
Those who are sick are reporting symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness. Health officials say they will not know what's causing the illness until lab tests are complete.
Until then, they are advising those who attended the event and have severe symptoms to contact a health care provider. They are also sending out a questionnaire to participants.