19 People Hospitalized After Getting Sick At Laurel Academy

LAUREL, MD — At least 19 people were hospitalized Sunday after becoming ill at the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy.

The academy is located in the 3200 block of Oak Hill Drive in Laurel.

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Brian Christopher, a spokesperson with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, told Patch first responders were alerted to the scene shortly before 2:30 p.m. for a medical emergency.

In a span of 90 minutes, the department received three calls from the academy, with cases ultimately ballooning to 19 required hospitalizations.

A carbon monoxide investigation was initiated but returned negative results. Christopher said investigators believe the cause of the illnesses "may be related to food, though no definitive cause has been confirmed."

All examined individuals experienced "similar but minor symptoms," he said. Specific symptoms were not detailed.

In addition to the AACFD, first responders with the Fort Meade Fire Department and the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services were also called to the scene.

An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.