DENVER (AP) - The Denver Rescue Mission resumed serving meals Monday after an unknown illness sent 60 people to hospitals.
The Denver Environmental Health Department is investigating the outbreak. Agency spokeswoman Meghan Hughes said 50 of the people treated were from the rescue mission and six had been staying at a nearby temporary housing facility.
Shelter spokeswoman Alexxa Gagner said Monday officials are concerned some people left the mission and did not seek medical attention.
"We're trying to get an accurate count," she said.
Gagner said the shelter offers breakfast, lunch and dinner to those who cannot afford to pay, not just those staying at the mission.
Denver Fire Department Lt. Phil Champagne said officials suspect turkey served for dinner Sunday was contaminated, but they aren't certain. Barbecue chicken was served for lunch. Officials tested the air and other environmental factors at the rescue mission and everything was clear.
About 340 people ate the dinner, which was donated by a caterer. Within 45 minutes, many of the people who had eaten began vomiting and complaining of dehydration and diarrhea.
Hughes said a disease like norovirus, food contamination and all possible other sources are being investigated.
"Anything is possible," she said.
The Denver Rescue Mission said it isn't serving donated or pre-prepared food from the community until health officials determine what caused the outbreak.
In March, 28 people were sickened by norovirus at an Aurora nursing home.
Health officials said 21 residents and seven staff members at Lifecare Center of Aurora were infected by the virus that spreads quickly. Symptoms of that illness include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
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