More Illnesses Coming From Madison Consolidated High School

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 3:05 PM

By Madison Consolidated High School Press Release

At this time we do not know if these situations are related to incidents of the past two weeks.

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(Madison, Ind.) - Today, February 18, 2020, during 4th period a vaping device was discovered in a classroom near the construction area in C-Wing. A student was removed from the class and taken to the office and placed into our incident reporting/discipline process. Due to recent events, MCHS has increased hallway and restroom patrols during passing periods.

Today during between 4th and 5th periods, while monitoring their designated area, two adults in the vicinity of this classroom were stricken ill - the exact cause is unknown at this time.

Due to the sudden onset of symptoms both were transported to the emergency room by ambulance as a precaution. Simultaneously, three students who were also in the same area presented with minor symptoms and were transported to the emergency room for further evaluation. High school administrators immediately called the Department of Homeland Security to do an air quality test in the area of the classroom.

The results of the test were negative for any concerns. Students were held in their classrooms between 4th and 5th periods as a precaution so the medical and Homeland Security personnel could complete their work without interruption.

Students were soon released to continue their normal schedule. At no time was there a lock-down or lock-out on the MCHS campus. We are currently working with our school resource officers, administrators, school nurse, and healthcare professionals to continue to investigate the cause of these instances.

At this time we do not know if these situations are related to incidents of the past two weeks.

Mr. Gasaway addressed the student body during 7th period today to inform students and staff that “we are not putting our heads in the sand, we will continue to diligently investigate this matter and are committed to keeping this campus safe for all students and staff. We will continue to battle this ongoing, nationwide vaping epidemic head-on - beginning here at home”.

We appreciate your understanding as we work as quickly as possible to collect facts. Our intent is to keep you informed as quickly as possible with accurate information. Additional information will be made available when it has been confirmed and received.