Gulf spill workers complaining of flulike symptoms

By NOAKI SCHWARTZ and MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press Writers

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A doctor says 11 workers who have been out on the Gulf of Mexico cleaning up oil from BP's blown-out well have been treated for symptoms that could be related to the oil.

Dr. Damon Dietrich says he has seen patients come through his emergency room at West Jefferson Medical Center with respiratory problems, headaches and nausea.

All were treated and released.

He says 11 people coming in with the same symptoms make him suspicious.

BP and U.S. Coast Guard officials have said dehydration, heat, food poisoning or other unrelated factors may have caused the workers' symptoms. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is investigating.