More than 50 British teenagers rushed to hospital with mystery illness during school trip to NYC

The cause is still unknown

More than 50 British tourists have been rushed to hospital after falling ill in New York City.

The group, made up of 48 teenagers and three adults, were visiting the US on a school trip when many reported feeling unwell while in New York.

However upon arrival at their next destination, Washington DC, one teen reported having “gastrointestinal distress” with many others following suit.

"One by one people began indicating they were feeling ill,” DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services public information officer Vito Maggiolo told The New York Post.

First responders initially transported at least a dozen teens and one adult to hospital first with complaints of nausea and vomiting.

Shortly after, the rest of the group were taken to four local hospitals as a precautionary measure.

Despite Maggiolo reporting that food poisoning may have been the cause, he later confirmed that it remains unclear what exactly made them ill.

By Monday most of the visitors had returned to their rooms, according to the manager at Hotel Harrington, where the group were staying in Washington DC.

“Hopefully they all recover as quickly as they can and can continue on their tour,” said Ann Terry.

As a result of the incident, Maggiolo has said that the DC Department of Health and the DC Department of Energy and Environment will look into the situation.

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene also said it is investigating.