CRANDON, Wis. — On Thursday, March 14, Crandon Elementary School contacted the Forest County Sheriff’s Office and reported three people — two students and one staff member — were ill. 

The sheriff’s office said those three people had not been in contact with one another, but were reporting the same symptoms. They were transported to the hospital.

Crandon Elementary School brought all of its students outside in an effort to limit exposure to what caused the symptoms.

Multiple law enforcement agencies and first responders responded to the report and began investigating.

While they were investigating the building on Thursday, another student and four staff members — all on the middle school and high school side of the building — fell ill. Additionally, two EMS workers who were assisting at the school started showing the same symptoms as the students and staff members who were sick.

Oneida County HazMat and Wausau HazMat teams joined the investigation efforts. The HazMat teams determined there was a mechanical issue with a furnace in the building, creating heightened levels of carbon monoxide in the school.

Area hospitals told the Forest County Sheriff’s Office that a total of 39 patients received medical attention in relation to the incident. However, only two of those patients had elevated levels of carbon monoxide.

Symptoms included lightheadedness, tingling, numbness in extremities, shortness of breath, slurred speech and rapid heartbeat. Officials said if anyone experiences these symptoms, they should seek medical attention.

Classes and school events were cancelled for the remainder of the day Thursday and all of Friday. The school district said is working to make the school safe to reopen for classes. The sheriff’s office said the school district. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared the following symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: 

The CDC shared the following prevention tips for preventing carbon monoxide poisoning in your home or from your vehicle: 

Health officials said if you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, leave the building. It is ideal to get fresh air. Then, call the fire department to have the building's carbon monoxide levels checked. Those who were exposed should also seek medical attention.