911 calls during outbreak at Walmart warehouse reveal possible source of illness

What This Story Is About

• Newly released 911 calls document the early response as reports of illness rapidly increased at a Walmart fulfillment center in Lebanon.

What Happens Next

• The Tennessee Department of Health is investigating a possible foodborne illness associated with a meal at the facility. Walmart says the warehouse is not open to customers and that there is no risk to products at the fulfillment center or nearby Walmart stores.

Catch Up

• Dozens affected after possible food-related illness at Middle Tennessee Walmart Distribution Center

LEBANON, Tenn. (WSMV) - Newly released 911 calls show how a reported illness affecting workers at a Walmart fulfillment center in Lebanon quickly grew from one employee needing medical help to dozens of people reporting symptoms.

TN Department of Health investigating possible foodborne illness outbreak at Walmart warehouse

In the first call, a facility employee told dispatchers that a worker was in a restroom vomiting and experiencing fatigue.

The caller initially described the situation as a possible food-poisoning incident and said a homemade rice dish may have been involved.

During a follow-up call, the employee told dispatchers that a slew of workers had been affected, with at least four considered very ill.

Wilson County emergency crews ultimately triaged about 25 to 30 people at the facility and transported 19 people to hospitals for treatment.