19 Cadets Fall Ill at Maryland Military Youth Academy After Lunch

Nineteen cadets at the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy in Laurel, Maryland became ill shortly after eating lunch on Sunday. The 16‑year‑old participants reported lightheadedness, dizziness, vomiting and, in several cases, loss of consciousness.

Emergency responders from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department were called within 90 minutes, and the cadets were taken to local hospitals for precautionary evaluation. Fifteen were examined on Monday; nine declined further treatment while six were admitted for additional assessment. Parents have demanded answers, stating they were not promptly notified and are seeking an explanation for the cause of the illness. The D.C. National Guard, which runs the academy, said it has informed guardians but has not identified the source of the symptoms.