Mystery Illness Hospitalizes 19 Cadets at DC-Area Youth Academy - Internewscast Journal
Mystery Illness Hospitalizes 19 Cadets at DC-Area Youth Academy

At least 19 cadets from a military-style youth academy near Washington, D.C., were taken to local hospitals on Sunday after they began showing signs of an unidentified illness, triggering a mass casualty response, officials said.

Emergency responders were called to the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy in Laurel, Maryland, after cadets reported feeling ill following lunch, the DC National Guard said, according to FOX 5 DC.

Run by the DC National Guard, the academy describes itself as a military-style life intervention program designed for at-risk teenagers.

youth academy cadets in formation

Members of the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy march down Pennsylvania Avenue during a parade on April 16, 2014, in Washington, DC.  (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

One mother told FOX 5 that hospital bloodwork showed her son had elevated carbon monoxide levels. She said his symptoms appeared hours after other cadets had already been transported for care and included dizziness, headaches and nausea.

The mother also said the academy chose to temporarily shut down after the incident.

Anne Arundel County Fire Department officials, however, said a carbon monoxide investigation found no elevated gas levels, the station reported.

National Guard Continue Patrolling Washington, DC After Shooting

Members of the National Guard patrol along Constitution Ave. on Dec. 1, 2025, in Washington, DC.  (Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

Officials have not confirmed the cause of the illness but said it could be related to food.

DC National Guard officials said the health and safety of cadets and staff remain their highest priority and that they are working with emergency medical personnel and public health authorities as the investigation continues, according to FOX 5.

National Guard troops walk near Capitol Hill

Members of the National Guard patrol near the U.S. Capitol on the National Mall in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Officials added that while 19 cadets were sent to area hospitals, one adult was evaluated at the scene and declined further medical treatment.

INC News reached out to D.C. National Guard for more information. 

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