Georgia health officials are investigating after at least 54 children became ill this week at a popular summer camp about an hour southeast of Atlanta.
The overnight campers contracted a gastrointestinal illness at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Putnam County, according to Atlanta's WSB-TV. The facility is run by the University of Georgia.
"Symptoms began late Wednesday/early Thursday and include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea," Georgia Department of Public Health spoksewoman Nancy Nydam told the news station. "All campers have now returned home."
The camp is closed to overnight campers this weekend to allow for cleaning, but weekend daytime activities will continue as scheduled.
54 kids get sick with a “gastrointestinal illness” at Rock Eagle 4H Center. At 5, how camp officials are doing a deep clean so other campers don’t get sick. pic.twitter.com/8mpxPMuCp5
— Richard Elliot (@RElliotWSB) June 21, 2019
Health officials also recommended the camp’s pool be closed for cleaning, Nydam said.
North Central Health District epidemiologists are conducting a contact investigation to identify the source of the illness, according to health officials.
“Specimens have been sent to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory for testing,” Nydam said. “Results will be available later next week.”
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