Cheerleaders and those cheering are barfing after competition

Dozens of cheerleaders are suffering from vomiting and diarrhea after attending a Washington-state tournament in Everett last week.

The cause and source of the illness are unknown, officials said. So is the total number of people affected. However, the Washington State Department of Health has received calls from 19 cheerleading squads all reporting at least one person sick. More than 1,000 cheerleaders competed in the event at Everett’s Comcast Arena and more than 3,000 spectators attended.

The investigation being conducted jointly by the Washington State Department of Health and the Snohomish Health District. So far, it has included collecting samples for testing at a laboratory, and sending a questionnaire to participants.

People who attended the event and have severe symptoms are advised to contact a health care provider.

 

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About Douglas Powell

A former professor of food safety and the publisher of barfblog.com, Powell is passionate about food, has five daughters, and is an OK goaltender in pickup hockey. Download Doug’s CV here. Dr. Douglas Powell editor, barfblog.com retired professor, food safety 3/289 Annerley Rd Annerley, Queensland 4103 dpowell29@gmail.com 61478222221 I am based in Brisbane, Australia, 15 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time