8 student-athletes face rare, serious illness in Texas

Health officials in Texas are trying to figure out how eight student-athletes were all sent to the hospital facing symptoms of a rare and serious illness.

The students are all from Texas Women's University, six are on the volleyball team.

The illness is called rhabdomyolysis or rhabdo.

It's a break-down of muscle tissue and can cause kidney damage.

Local physical therapist Justin Shaginaw is not involved in the cases, but says eight at one school points to some common causes.

"The two conclusions could be that they're taking supplements that predispose them to it or they were training in excess without opportunity for rest, hydration, cooling, those types of things," Shaginaw said.

The university is also looking into the cases.

The students are now listed in good condition at the hospital.