Wednesday, July 2, 2008 

More than 50 people are dangerously ill after eating at the Hyatt in downtown Savannah.  Earlier Wednesday The Coastal Source received calls from a number of people staying at the Hyatt Regency, telling us that more than 50 people were sick with what they think is food poisoning. Members of the Society of Insurance Trainers and Educators say they think it was a luncheon on Wednesday that may have made them sick. The Hyatt Regency General Manager gives us a statement that reads; "We are deeply concerned and distressed to discover that several of our guests, all attendees of a meeting being held here, are experiencing similar gastrointestinal symptoms. All affected guests have been offered medical assistance and we are doing everything we can to ensure they are as comfortable as possible."

Concentra Medical Clinic in Garden City is the facility where the hotel referred patients. When we stopped by Wednesday afternoon, Dr. David Clyde said so far he has only seen and treated one patient. That patient  did have symptoms consistent with those of food poisoning. Doctor Clyde thinks that because these were tourists, some of them may have gone home to their own physician or another here in town, others may have refused treatment and decided to just tough it out.

We're told by some of the group members that at least one other person stayed overnight for treatment at Memorial. Right now, the Chatham County Health Department says they are investigating a possible food borne illness. They say they hope to have answers within the next few days.

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