Convention attendees still waiting for answers after contagious virus shuts down event | Top Stories

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — Frustration and concern linger among attendees of the Wild Wild West Con at Casino Del Sol after it was abruptly shut down due to a contagious virus.

Vendors and attendees expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding the situation. More than 24 hours after the shutdown, many say they’re still in the dark.

“The only thing that they had said was that it was a medical evacuation. Nobody would give us any information. Some of them were passing out masks,” said Israel Hoyer, a vendor at the convention.

Zully Alexandra, another vendor, shared similar concerns. “To not know what caused such an alarm to evacuate an entire convention,” said Alexandra.

The Wild Wild West Con’s Facebook page initially announced the shutdown, citing ongoing medical concerns. Casino Del Sol confirmed attendees were experiencing stomach flu-like symptoms, describing it as a contagious virus, though the casino remains open.

“Few posts that they have put [up], really still don’t tell us anything,” said Alexandra.

“It’s the casino that kicked us out and it’s the casino that’s not giving us information. The Steampunk handled this the best that they could.” Hoyer added, “People are getting sick. We’re worried about what this illness is that they shut it down for. They just say it’s a contagious virus. We have no idea.”

It’s a big worry for Tiffany Torok, whose daughter is now sick. “She vomited all night and all morning and it’s just wiped out. She has an awful headache,” said Torok.

“This was a really busy weekend in Tucson, and they sent out hundreds if not thousands of people into the community with no instructions or information.”

“We’re not getting answers and that’s pretty much all we want,” said Hoyer.

News 4 Tucson has reached out to the Tribal Medical Authority, Arizona Department of Health Services, and Casino Del Sol for more information.

Click here for Casino Del Sol’s most recent statement.