Over 60 evaluated after carbon monoxide exposure at Tennessee university

More than 60 people were transported to hospitals for evaluation after a possible carbon monoxide exposure at a private university in Tennessee, according to officials.

The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon on the campus of Milligan University, located in northeast Tennessee near the city of Johnson City, Ballad Health said.

Officials initially reported that about 30 people were affected but later updated the figure to more than 60. No information was immediately released on the cause of the potential exposure or whether any patients were in serious condition.

Ballad Health said it worked with first responders, a regional clinical command center, and university officials to transport those potentially exposed to Johnson City Medical Center, Niswonger Children’s Hospital, Sycamore Shoals Hospital, Holston Valley Medical Center, and Franklin Woods Community Hospital.

Ballad Health said the facilities are prepared to treat all patients and that clinicians are actively evaluating individuals as they arrive. Some patients may receive oxygen as a precaution, the health system said, adding that exposure levels tested so far may not be high enough to require medication.

Milligan University is a private Christian institution in northeast Tennessee with an enrollment of about 1,200 students.