County investigates Rothschild wedding illnesses

By Amy Olson • Wausau Daily Herald • July 26, 2008 ROTHSCHILD -- At least 40 people at a wedding reception became ill with "violent diarrhea" in an incident last weekend that remains under investigation by county health officials. The possible outbreak of food-borne illness came on suddenly July 19 during the party at the Stoney Creek Inn in Rothschild, said Julie Willems Van Dijk, Marathon County's health officer, who confirmed the investigation Friday. Health Department staff members interviewed 60 people, including 20 who did not fall ill, to see if they could determine the source. Willems Van Dijk said the affected people suffered "violent diarrhea that was fairly short-lived." "It appears by the pattern of illness that it hit pretty quick, hit pretty hard, but was short in duration," Willems Van Dijk said. The wedding... [read full story]