OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington state health officials said Tuesday they are investigating reports of intestinal illness affecting at least 19 squads that participated in a weekend state cheerleading tournament in Everett.
Reported symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, state Health Department spokesman Donn Moyer said.
KOMO- TV reported that several people have been hospitalized but their conditions were unknown. Moyer said he had not heard of any hospitalizations “but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened.”
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association hosted Saturday’s competition at Comcast Arena. More than 3,000 people attended and more than 1,000 people in 52 squads competed in cheerleading, dance and drill events, the association said.
The first symptoms developed Sunday and Monday, the Health Department said.
State health officials were working with the Snohomish Health District and the athletics association to determine the cause of the illnesses, Moyer said.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less