In an unusual incident, eight children performing in a youth choir at a church near Harvard University exhibited symptoms resembling seizures, according to the Cambridge Fire Department.
The children were part of the Chœur d’Enfants d’Île-de-France, a distinguished youth choir known for their global performances in churches. They were performing at St Paul Parish in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 22.
Unfortunately, during the event, some of the children began feeling sick due to a “strange odor,” as reported by witnesses to emergency responders.
Cambridge firefighters were quick to respond, providing medical assistance to the children, who ranged in age from 11 to 13. They were treated for conditions that were not life-threatening and then taken to local hospitals. Prior to the event, none of the children had reported feeling unwell.
“We did have one student within a choir group that was sitting on the front steps that wasn’t actively seizing,” Acting Fire Chief Thomas Cahill told Boston local news station WCVB at the scene. “That quickly escalated into seven other people that had seizure-like symptoms.”
The choir concert was attended by around 70 individuals. Some attendees, including both adults and children, mentioned they noticed an unusual smell, although the emergency crews were unable to identify any hazardous substances.
As a safety measure, Hazmat teams thoroughly inspected the building; however, they did not find any substances that could have caused the health issues.
“This was somewhat unusual,” Cahill said. “It was a routine medical call that quickly escalated into transporting eight children to the hospital. Not common.”
Despite the children being taken to the hospital, officials were still uncertain about the cause of the seizures.
“At this time we are not sure of what caused the reaction,” Cahill told The Boston Globe.
The Cambridge Fire Department shared details of the incident on their Facebook page and engaged with commenters.
“At approximately 730 pm, 22nd, companies responded to 29 Mt. Auburn St, St. Paul Parish, for a medical emergency. Eight people were treated for non-life-threatening medical emergencies on scene, and all were transported to medical facilities for further evaluation. Approx 70 other people in attendance at a choir concert at St. Paul’s were not affected,” the post began.
“The Fire Dept hazmat team completed a thorough survey of the St. Paul buildings utilizing several air sampling meters to ensure that no hazardous conditions were present. Results were negative and the buildings were ventilated.
“All occupants & concert attendees left the scene with designated chaperones.”
In response to concerns from the public, a representative from the Cambridge Fire Department dismissed the potential for a carbon monoxide leak.
“No CO was detected via several fire company air sampling meters,” they replied.