CNN Wire Staff
Exposure to the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has resulted in 162 cases of illnesses reported to the Louisiana state health department, according to a report released Monday. Of those cases, 128 involved workers on oil rigs or individuals involved in the oil spill cleanup efforts, the report said.
Among the most common reported symptoms were throat irritation, shortness of breath, cough, eye irritation, nausea and headaches, according to the department's oil spill surveillance report.
The weekly report gathers data from a surveillance network of doctors, clinics, emergency care locations and medical facilities.
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You asked, Anderson answers
Is the White House still listening?????? Are they making any phone calls at all to find us help????? At least Anderson is hanging in there every night bringing us updates, thanks.
Anderson, these numbers are insane! I've been sick since early May, and I know many people that are experiencing illness due to the oil spill. I live about 15 miles from the beach and wake up to the smell of chemicals every morning. I've tasted metal for weeks now. I do not believe that all of the illnesses reported are only temporary, the truth is that health care is expensive and most people can't run to the doctor for something that is not an emergency. I am relenting and going to the MD tomorrow, I can't take it anymore, stomach pains, headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, and the worst, I have a constant metallic taste in my mouth. I guess that's from food poisoning too! Keep up the great work, make them tell the truth now, and not 10 years from now, when many have suffered and even died from the consequences of this tragedy.