Number sickened at Everett cheerleading event now at 229
Feb 10, 2012, 6:50 AM | Updated: 5:02 pm
A Washington state Health Department spokesman says there have been at least 229 reports of illness among people who attended a state cheerleading tournament last weekend in Everett.
“That number is likely to go up, because there were something on the order of 3,000 people in attendance, plus 1,000 plus who were actual participants,” said Washington State Health Department spokesman Donn Moyer.
Symptoms included vomiting and diarrhea.
Spokesman Tim Church said Thursday that most people have recovered. Thirty-three of those who fell ill have sought medical treatment, but there have been no overnight hospital stays.
The cause of the illnesses is still under investigation.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association hosted the Feb. 4 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 Health Department says intestinal illnesses can be caused by several viruses and bacteria that can come from a variety of sources.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
