RCMP seek cause of mystery illness
    By NOVA PIERSON, CALGARY SUN
    June 25, 2002

    Security and medical officials are trying to determine how 30 Mounties stationed at Kananaskis for the G-8 summit ended up with symptoms of food poisoning.

    Four of the RCMP officers were taken from Nakiska Camp to Foothills Hospital on Sunday night.

    Three of them were hospitalized and received treatment for dehydration.

    Two were released yesterday.

    Officers who weren't hospitalized were isolated and treated at the camp -- and unit commanders checked out members stationed at the camp who weren't affected by the outbreak.

    It isn't believed there is any security threat involved in the incident or that G-8 leaders would be in danger of contracting food poisoning.

    "There is no foul play suspected so far," said Const. Max Johann of the summit security office.

    An RCMP investigation has since eliminated food services at Nakiska Camp in Kananaskis as a possible source of the illness.

    National Defence medical technicians, RCMP doctors and the Calgary Health Region examined all contracted food services at Nakiska Camp and determined food met or exceeded all industry standards.

    "We have eliminated food services as a possible source and have reinstated Traverse Food Services effective immediately," said Insp. Gordon Black, officer in charge of camps.

    An investigation is under way to discover what caused the sickness of the Mounties, some of whom were ill prior to arriving at the Nakiska Camp.

    "They have to interview 30 people to find out what they ate in common, if it's an ice machine or something else," Johann said.

    It isn't clear whether the hospitalized Mounties will return to work in time to continue their G-8 duties.

    The 26 who weren't taken to hospital remain at the Nakiska Camp and are expected to be able to work through the summit.

    Officials say there will be 16 government food inspectors, dressed in white coats and hair nets, scrutinizing every morsel of food served at Kananaskis.

    They are to be in the kitchen around the clock, to monitor food preparation and see that proper dishwasher and refrigerator temperatures are maintained.


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