The Clay County Health Department is investigating after at least 18 people went to a hospital with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, KMBC’s Peggy Breit reported Tuesday.
Most of those who went to the hospital were members of William Jewell’s cheerleading and dance squad. They were taking part in the Spirit Team Leadership Meeting at The Elms Resort in Excelsior Springs.
Breit reported that out of nearly 60 participants, almost one-third became ill.

“The suspect items at this point are turkey sandwiches and potato salad,” said Bob Eisele, with William Jewell College.
Most of those who went to the hospital were members of William Jewell’s cheerleading and dance squad.
Health Department officials said that at least 18 people went to the hospital starting late Monday night and continued to arrive until mid-morning. Five people were admitted at Liberty Hospital.
“Apparently it came in waves, and so it wasn’t a case where all 17 were stricken at once, so they were able to escort the students who needed help to Liberty Hospital in private cars,” Eisele said.
He said the victims are expected to recover.
“(They are) pretty uncomfortable, a little wiped out, dehydrated, that sort of thing, but nothing life-threatening,” Eisele said.
Hotel managers told KMBC that some of their employees have also become sick during the past several weeks. The staff is doing a lot of cleaning and sanitizing, a hotel spokesperson said.
Health and school officials will continue to investigate the cause of the illness. More information is expected Wednesday.