GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. — An enigmatic odor lingering around Altama Elementary School in Glynn County has led to the hospitalization and subsequent examination of 11 people, as reported by a county representative.

“It’s tough to describe, but I knew it was really unpleasant,” commented Kameron Crawley, a fifth grader at the institution.

“When we first noticed the smell, we were directed to the cafeteria area, where it was even stronger,” Crawley explained. “After returning to our classroom, our teacher took us outside, hoping for some fresh air, but the smell was there too.”

The school district acknowledged that several students and staff members had reported feeling ill due to the odor. A spokesperson confirmed that everyone taken to the hospital has since been released.

Following a thorough inspection by public safety officials and Atlanta Gas Light, it was determined that the source of the odor is not within the school itself but originates from a location off-site, according to the Glynn County School District.

The Glynn County Board of Commissioners has said it is actively coordinating with state and local partners to identify the source of the smell. Monitoring efforts were ongoing Thursday at multiple locations throughout the county.

“At that pointm we were deeply concerned, and we still really didn’t get a whole lot of closure to what happened,” said Keith Lippert, Crawley’s dad Thursday night.

Lippert said he could smell the odor from his home.

“When I stepped outside this was before I heard about the school. I stepped outside and said this smells like gas,” he said.

The county also said, “based on air monitoring conducted and observations made by local and state agencies”, there is no threat to public safety.

“The safety of our students and staff remains our absolute priority. As this is a community-wide matter, any further updates regarding the source of the odor or the ongoing investigation will be provided by local emergency management and public safety agencies,” the school district said in a statement.

Glynn County residents also took to Facebook expressing their concerns. 

One woman said her “youngest daughter is complaining of a headache since this has happened. Should we be concerned?

While another woman said: “My head and chest hurt. My asthma was flared up from the smell, very strong.”

First Coast News will continue to follow this situation and provide updates as we learn them.