LAUREL, Md. — UPDATE: 8:50pm:
According to the DC National Guard, the medical emergency occurred after lunch was served on campus.
Carbon monoxide scare at Laurel youth academy now believed to be food-related
Authorities say 19 cadets were taken to area hospitals.
One adult was evaluated and declined care. Investigators are still at the scene to confirm the specific cause of the illness.
The health, safety, and well-being of our cadets and staff remain our highest priority. The D.C. National Guard is working closely with emergency medical personnel and public health authorities as they conduct their investigation. At this time, the cause has not been determined, and it would be premature to speculate.
The parents and guardians of the 19 cadets have been contacted. At this time, officials say no other cadets have symptoms.
The D.C. National Guard will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Original Article:
What was thought to be a carbon monoxide investigation at the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy is now believed to have originated from food.
On Sunday, Anne Arundel County Fire got a call around 2:21 p.m. from the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy in Laurel for a medical emergency.
Anne Arundel County Fire says after getting to the scene, medical personnel evaluated a person who had the same symptoms as two other people at the academy, confirming this was the third call within a 90-minute window.
Officials began the investigation as if they were looking for a possible carbon monoxide (CO) leak.
The situation then got worse. 15 more people said they were experiencing similar symptoms. The total number of people evaluated moved to 19.
Fore Meade Fire Department and the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services arrived to assist the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.
No carbon monoxide readings were detected during the investigation.
Authorities say the scene/investigation is still active. Based on a similar through line of symptoms with all the patients, it is believed the source is food-related.
No cause has been confirmed.
