REDMOND, Wash. -- Ballard High School's cheer squad traveled to Redmond for a basketball game but half the girls were missing. They were too sick, still battling an intestinal illness they got after attending the WIAA cheer competition this weekend at Everett's Comcast Arena.
Ballard cheerleader Summer Gnoinski told us, "I threw up every hour on the hour." She said it was awful. Oddly enough, her sister Karly did not get sick. She calls herself "one of the lucky ones."
Eight of Ballard's cheerleaders fell victim, Summer was the only one well enough to return to cheering Tuesday. Their assistant coach, Michelle Whelan says they started to put two and two together Monday morning.
They contacted the WIAA, which contacted the State Department of Health. Whelan says until they know what's going on, she's taking extra precautions. "I'm not letting the girls use pom-poms, signs, flags or anything else that was at the competition until we can disinfect them."
Nearly 4,000 people were in attendance and the State Department of Health is warning anyone who went to be aware of the outbreak. They can't confirm the intestinal illness originated at the arena so no official cleanup has been ordered. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. If you attended and are experiencing severe symptoms, you're advised to call a doctor.
To add a comment, please register or login.