OC HAZMAT responds after mystery illness strikes Crandon school

The Oneida County HAZMAT team was called in to help Forest County officials after two students and one staff members became ill while at the Crandon Elementary School.

According to the Forest County sheriff’s office, the three individuals were not in contact with each other but exhibited the same type of symptoms.

All were transported to the hospital for treatment.

The remaining students were immediately taken outside to reduce any possible further exposure.    

Thus far, it’s unclear what is causing the illnesses.

“The Crandon Fire Department and the Forest County sheriff’s office responded to the Crandon School District and began an investigation into the possible cause of these related illnesses,” the sheriff’s office dispatcher center explained in a press release. “The Crandon Fire Department checked the elementary school for any harmful gases and they did not locate any. The sheriff’s office deployed both K9s Atlas and Thunder on classrooms and lockers.The class rooms and lockers were searched with negative results of any contraband or illegal substances being located.”

“While the building was being checked one more student and four more staff members became ill on the middle/high school side of the building,” the release states. “The Crandon Fire Department checked the middle school and high school for any sign of dangerous gases and they did not locate any. The Crandon Area Rescue Squad has been on scene assisting with transports and two EMS workers have also experienced the same illnesses type symptoms.”

Oneida County HAZMAT has been requested to respond to the Crandon School District.  

The symptoms to watch for include feeling of lightheadedness, tingling, numbness in extremities, shortness of breath, slurred speech and rapid heartbeat. If you or your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek medical assistance.

More information about the situation in Crandon will reported as it is received.