National Guard still investigating what sickened 25 at Laurel military prep school

The Washington, D.C., National Guard is still investigating what led to a cluster of sudden illnesses at a military prep school for at-risk youth in Laurel over the weekend.

Officials previously suspected that the outbreak was linked to contaminated food, but as of Thursday, the source remained unclear.

Officials initially reported that 19 people were sickened Sunday at the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy. Six more people became sick Monday, bringing the total to 25. The academy is operated through a partnership between the D.C. National Guard and the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

Master Sgt. Arthur Wright, a spokesperson for the D.C. National Guard, said the agency is still waiting for the results of water, air and other environmental tests taken at the academy. An independent environmental testing company has been on site supporting the investigation.

On Sunday, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department responded to a call from the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy and found 19 people experiencing lightheadedness and other symptoms. The incident prompted a mass-casualty response as adults and minors were transported to medical facilities for treatment.

Brian Christopher, a spokesperson for the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, said Sunday that the outbreak may be linked to contaminated food.

The next day, emergency medical personnel responded to reports of 15 people getting sick. Nine of those affected were also evaluated on Sunday for similar symptoms. Nine people declined medical treatment, and six people were taken to medical facilities for “low-priority medical concerns,” Wright said.

No one experienced life-threatening conditions.

“At this time, it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of the incident while the investigation remains active,” Wright said.

No carbon monoxide or other hazards were detected on campus by fire officials, he said.