This week on Medical Investigation, the team travels to Nebraska to investigate 2 college football players who have become ill. Originally, meningitis is suspected. The athletes are diagnosed with malignant multiple sclerosis. The cause is a suspected use of “designer drugs,” specifically GHB. However, this speculation is proved false.

The team finally determines the athletes became ill from drinking “organic milk” from cows raised on the campus. The USDA’s National Organic Program regulates the production and safety of organic milk in this country.

In the meantime, a number of co-eds are admitted to the hospital. Two of the girls test positive for strep throat. It is determined, however, that this diagnosis does not account for their primary symptoms. These two, as well as their classmates, are finally diagnosed with mercury poisoning.

CDC epidemiologists have worked on several cases involving mercury poisoning, including Mercury Poisoning Associated with Beauty Cream -- Texas, New Mexico, and California, 1995-1996.