VIENNA TWP., Mich. (WWJ) - Students and staff at an elementary school in Genesee County were evacuated on Friday after multiple children came down with an unknown illness, school officials reported.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said via ABC 12 that 15 to 18 students at Edgerton Elementary School in Clio started feeling sick around 1 p.m. on April 28.
Swanson said the children were experiencing lightheadedness and dizziness and seven students were taken to Hurley Medical Center in Flint.
Authorities for Edgerton Elementary School said in a post to social media that police and fire crews were on scene at 11218 N Linden Road to conduct an inspection of food and air "out of an abundance of caution."
According to ABC 12, officials initially suspected a carbon monoxide leak, as five of the sick children were from the same classroom, but Swanson confirmed there was no trace of the gas after the Clio Area Fire Department conducted an air test.
Officials are still at the elementary school as of 3 p.m. to determine the cause of the mysterious illness; Consumers Energy is reported to have joined police and fire officials in their investigation.
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Swanson said via ABC 12 that emergency officials were awaiting test results done on the students who were taken to Hurley Medical Center.
"We have more answers that we need," Swanson said.
So far, Swanson said the illnesses appear to be non-life threatening.
There are an estimated 420 students who attend Edgerton Elementary. Although several students within the same classroom fell ill, other sick students were reported in different areas of the building.
Clio Area Schools Superintendent Fletcher Spears III told ABC 12 that staff members immediately moved students outside and notified parents of the unfolding situation.
"We have accounted for all of the kids," Spears said. "They are all being watched and taken care of."
Spears said students will be dismissed as usual Friday afternoon at 3:40 p.m.
This is a developing story. Stayed tuned to WWJ LIVE for the latest updates.
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