State lab: Cheerleading tournament attendees sickened by norovirus

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Testing at the state Public Health Laboratories confirmed that norovirus caused hundreds of illnesses during and after the Feb. 4 state high school cheerleading tournament in Everett, state health officials said Friday.

 Norovirus is typically transmitted person-to-person through contaminated food or water, and by touching contaminated surfaces, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Norovirus is recognized as the leading cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States. Outbreaks can happen to people of all ages and in a variety of settings.

The number of people reporting they suffered vomiting and diarrhea during the cheerleading event or in the days after is now 229, the Department of Health said.

At least 33 have reported seeking medical care, though there have been no overnight hospital admissions.

The numbers are expected to grow as state health officials receive answers from surveys that were sent to participants and families.

Both Selah and West Valley high schools sent teams to the competition. Selah cheerleading coach Kathey Hatfield said one cheerleader and one parent of a cheerleader both had symptoms of the flu-like illness. One cheerleader reported that three of her siblings had symptoms.

At least one West Valley parent reported his daughters were stricken but officials with the school district said they were not aware of anyone with a problem.

More than 3,000 people are reported to have attended the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association event and more than 1,000 competed in the events.