At Least 197 Coastal Alabama Residents Have Been Treated for Oil-related Health Issues

MOBILE, Ala. -- The number of residents reporting oil-related health effects from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill continues to rise in coastal Alabama. 

At least 197 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, Alabama Department of Public Health officials reported today. 

That compares with 78,427 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. 

Casandra Andrews reports for the Press-Register.