By Courtney Gousman
Lincoln County, MO (KSDK) - Health officials with the state of Missouri and Lincoln County are investigating to find out what cause dozens of children and adults to become sick while on a week-long camping trip at Cuivre River State Park.
Wednesday all 90 campers were sent home after 30 people total became sick, showing signs of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea during the day on Tuesday.
The bags were packed early at Cuivre River State Park. What was supposed to be a week of bible camp, ended four days early in disappointment after dozens of people fell ill Tuesday.
"Started out with a few, and as hours passed, we had additional children. By evening we were concerned and convinced it might be something more than just a flu bug," says Brenda Gillespie, Camp Director for Asbury Bible Camp.
Gillespie says whatever was making people sick, had spread throughout the entire campsite filled with kids from third through tenth grades. In all, 26 campers and four counselors became sick. They were soon quarantined.
"Cared for them as if we were at home caring for our own children. We had stopped using any water on site. We went to only using bleach water. We weren't serving any food until we ruled that out," says Gillespie.
This is the 35th year for the Asbury Bible Camp, sponsored by Asbury United Methodist Church. The camp's director tells NewsChannel 5 nothing like this has ever happened before. With things getting worse, Gillespie made the call to shut down the camp early and call in county and state health officials.
"It was not an easy decision, but I knew in my heart, it's what we had to do to protect our children. There was a lot of tears shed as we had to break the news," said Brett Siefert, head of the Lincoln County's Department of Health. "We sent our staff to look at the kitchen facilities, facilities out at the campground itself, and checked the food handling practices, general sanitation issues."
Siefert said his team is now working with state health officials and the Department of Natural Resources to find out what may have caused this outbreak.
"So far it looks like they've done everything right. I think right now, it's a little early to say that it's a virus or bacteria," said Siefert.
Gillespie said some children have already reported feeling better, and she's praying for better days, this time next year.
"To all my campers and counselors out there, I love you and you're in my prayers, and I'll see you next year," said Gillespie.
Health officials said they should know more in the next couple days about what exactly caused this illness. Final test results are due back on Friday.