After over 40 students at Mapleton Local Schools were hospitalized, the Ashland County Sheriff confirmed that there is no "inherent risk" to the safety of students or staff who occupy the building.
Both Mapleton Middle School and Mapleton High School were evacuated on Friday after 43 students were hospitalized with an illness. According to the district, classes are expected to resume on Tuesday.
"We understand that recent events may have caused concern for students, parents, and staff. Please know that the safety and well-being of our Mapleton community remains our highest priority," the district said in a Facebook post.
The illnesses started Friday morning when a middle school student reported feeling sick and went to the school's medical staff. A school resource officer assisted in assessing the student, during which multiple other students began reporting symptoms of illness and also notified the school's medical staff.
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According to Sheriff Kurt Schneider, the 43 students were transported to seven different hospitals in five counties.
On Friday, Schneider said the symptoms sounded similar to those of a common flu or Carbon Monoxide exposure: dizziness, lightheadedness, cough, and tingling of hands and feet.
Numerous different agencies responded to the school and conducted an investigation into the spreading illness.
Schneider said there was no evidence of carbon monoxide, water contamination or foreign objects that could link to the illness inside the building.
Additionally, students who were hospitalized showed no evidence of drug toxicity, and there were no patterns of personal contact between the students who were impacted, Schneider said. There were also no reports of staff members experiencing symptoms.
No maintenance was being performed on any of the natural gas appliances in the building, and there were also no chemical deliveries that day, Schneider said.
There are no reports of life-threatening conditions or illnesses in the students who were transported, Schneider said. It is unknown at this time what caused the illness in the students.
Agencies are still investigating the cause, and Mapleton School District families, along with community members, are asked to contact the Ashland County Sheriff's Office at 419-289-3911 with any information.
