Cause Of 28 Sandtown Students' Illness Still A Mystery

ATLANTA -- Fulton County school officials said Friday they still don't know what caused 28 Sandtown Middle School students to become ill Thursday, causing them to be rushed to local hospitals by ambulance. Twenty-five of those students have since been released to their parents and guardians. Initial reports said the students became ill after eating some Valentine's Day candy, but officials now say they cannot confirm that food or candy was the source of the students’ illnesses. That possibility is being investigated, they said.

"Although we do not have confirmation of the illness’ origin, students reported feeling ill after consuming food or candy," the system said. "Fulton County Schools Police Department will make outreach with an outside agency, most likely the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, to conduct an analysis of food samples obtained by school police investigators.

"Until the investigation is complete, the school system cannot make a determination of what caused students’ illnesses, its origin, if there was a deliberate, wrongful act committed, or if criminal charges or student discipline will be levied."

Principal Estella Cook is planning a series of small group meetings next week with eighth graders, staff, and honor students from Westlake High School, for which Sandtown is a feeder school.

Read more: 28 Students Sickened By Valentine's Candy At Fulton School

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