Cheerleading event outbreak sickened nearly 200

Nearly 200 people across the state have reported illnesses after attending a high school cheer and dance event in Everett earlier this month.

Preliminary survey results show at least 192 reports of illness from participants and adults who attended the event Feb. 4. Students and adults from Columbia River and Skyview high schools in Vancouver attended the event.

The Washington State Department of Health is investigating the cause of the outbreak.

As part of the investigation, questionnaires were sent to participants and their families and stool samples are being collected for testing at the state Public Health Laboratories.

Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. While most have recovered, 30 attendees reported seeking medical attention, according to the health department.

Three students and four adults from Columbia River reported feeling sick after the event, said school district spokeswoman Kris Sork. No reports had come in from the Skyview team.

Sork had not heard that any of the cases were serious enough to require a hospital visit.