MOBILE, Ala. — Alabama Department of Public Health officials reported today that 62 people have gone to local emergency rooms, clinics and urgent care centers since May 14 complaining of ailments thought to be related to the oil spill.
That compares with 30,964 patients treated for non-trauma care overall during that period. Health officials are conducting surveillance across the state to monitor effects related to the spill at more than 20 sites in Mobile and Baldwin counties.
Thirty-six of the patients complaining of oil-caused symptoms were exposed via inhalation, 18 by contact, three through ingestion and five patients reported multiple exposures, according to a written statement from the Alabama Department of Public Health.
