PUTNAM COUNTY, Ga. — After a few dozen people fell ill at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Putnam County, the heath department is stepping in to investigate.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, the The North Central Health District is investigating an outbreak of gastro-intestinal illness. Epidemiologists are trying to determine the illness and its source.
Health officials said more than 50 overnight campers started feeling sick Wednesday evening and early Thursday.
Some of the symptoms they experienced were nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The campers who were sick have returned home, officials said.
According to its website, Rock Eagle 4-H Center, thousands of young people annually participate in the Georgia 4-H Environmental Education and Summer Camp Programs there.
Operators of the camp hired an outside company to come in and clean the facilities, so the camp is closed to overnight campers this weekend, officials said.
However, the weekend daytime activities will continue as scheduled. NCHD environmental staff also recommended the camp’s pool be closed for cleaning.
As, epidemiologists continue to investigate, health officials said specimens have been sent to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory for testing.
They said results will be available later next week.
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