Illness at Maryland military-style youth program sends nearly 20 to hospital
Nearly 20 people were taken to the hospital after reporting an illness at Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy in Laurel, Maryland, on Sunday afternoon.
A mass casualty incident was declared after 19 patients were evaluated for an illness and then transported to the hospital, according to the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.
The fire department responded around 2:20 p.m. to the military-style youth program in the 3200 block of Oak Hill Drive after receiving three calls from the facility within 90 minutes.
The Anne Arundel County Fire Department, with assistance from Fort Meade Fire Department and the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, determined that no carbon monoxide readings were detected during the investigation.
During the investigation, 19 patients reported experiencing similar but minor symptoms.
Officials believe the illnesses may be related to food, but a definitive cause has not been confirmed.
District of Columbia Metro Police Department is also investigating.
Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy
Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy is a life intervention, dropout reintegration, and General Educational Development (GED) preparatory program, that is run by the Washington, D.C. National Guard and thee Office of the State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia, according to its website.
The academy is a nearly six-month long residential military style academy to "promote an academic environment where students will earn a District of Columbia High School Diploma, develop leadership, job skills, and academic skills, while improving self-esteem, pride, and confidence."
