State and Snohomish Health Departments Investigating Illness Reports at Comcast Arena Everett

Reports of illness following the WIAA State Cheerleading Championships prompt investigation.
On Saturday, more than 1000 participants and 3000 spectators attended Comcast Arena Everett for the 2012 State Cheerleading and Salute to Spirit competition. Yesterday and Sunday school officials began receiving reports that some people who were at the competition began reporting illness including vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Suzanne Pate, public information officer for the Snohomish Health District says they are taking the lead on the investigation but are also involving the State Department of Health as reports of illness have been made by people from multiple counties. Pate told My Everett News that if people who were at the event on Saturday came down with vomiting, diarrhea or illness, the Snohomish Health Department would like to hear from them at (425) 339-5278. Pate says the investigation is in its early stages and that it’s too soon to tell if it is related to foodborne practices or is viral but Comcast Arena Everett has been contacted by the Snohomish Health Department and is cooperating fully. No word yet on how many people were sickened. Pate says people who may have become ill should monitor their fluid intake and make to sure to stay hydrated.

Here’s the Official Press Release from the Washington State Department of Health.

State and local health officials are investigating a possible intestinal illness outbreak among attendees of a cheerleading competition in Everett last weekend.
Thousands of people attended the event at Everett’s Comcast Arena on February 4; onset of symptoms reportedly began on February 5 and 6. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea.

The Washington State Department of Health is working closely with the Snohomish Health District on the investigation. The cause and source of the illnesses, as well as the total number of people sickened, are unknown. Teams and supporters from around the state participated.

The investigation is in the early stages and includes sending a questionnaire to participants as well as collecting samples for testing at the state Public Health Laboratories. People who attended the event and have severe symptoms are advised to contact a health care provider.

According the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), which hosted the event, more than 3,000 people attended, and more than 1,000 competed in the State Cheerleading and Salute to Spirit in cheer and dance/drill.

“Our immediate concerns are for those who have been affected by this illness and our thoughts are with them,” said WIAA Executive Director Mike Colbrese. “The WIAA appreciates the cooperation of Comcast Arena and of state and local health partners for addressing the entire scope of this situation.”

Intestinal illnesses can be caused by several viruses and bacteria that may come from a wide variety of sources. Symptoms typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and may include headaches, stomach cramps, and fever. As with many illnesses, good personal hygiene such as frequent hand washing is an important tool to prevent the spread of disease.

The Department of Health website (www.doh.wa.gov) is your source for a healthy dose of information. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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