Toronto EMS is ruling out biological releases and chemical hazards after police and emergency response crews were called to a Scarborough, Ont. elementary school to investigate a spate of sudden illnesses on Thursday afternoon.
"At this time, it looks as though it's just some kind of virus or illness," an EMS spokesperson said.
Const. Victor Kwong said police received a call that several kids had gone home sick from Saint Thomas More Catholic Elementary School, on Ellesmere Road east of Markham Road.
Toronto EMS said that eight children, all students at the school, were assessed on an EMS bus, while one patient has been transported to a local hospital.
EMS said the children had flu-like symptoms, including fever, lethargy, and cold-like symptoms.
One parent told CP24 that they were being told the sickness was a case of the flu.
Toronto Fire has also responded to the school to conduct an air quality test, but found nothing.
A Toronto District School Board official was also sent to the school and said the school will be cleaned overnight as a precaution.
Toronto Public Health said they are aware of the situation, but could not speak about it.
EMS said parents would be sent a note about the situation urging them to seek medical attention if their children developed flu-like symptoms.
