The Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District has concluded that the cause of the food-borne illness outbreak related to a catered employee event at Toyo Tire in White on November 14th and 15th was salmonella. The determination is based on multiple positive lab-test results for salmonella from employees who attended the event. There have been five hospitalizations due to the outbreak.

The permitted Bartow County restaurant in Cartersville that catered the event has voluntarily closed and will remained closed until next week. Employees of the restaurant have received rigorous training in safe food handling from Bartow County Health Department environmental health specialists.

The Northwest Health District and the Bartow County Health Department continue to work with Toyo Human Resources to gather and compile additional information about the outbreak directly from the approximately 1,800 employees who attended the event and potentially may have been exposed.

Symptoms of foodborne illness include upset stomach, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. See your doctor or healthcare provider if you have symptoms that are severe, including:

• High fever (temperature over 101.5°F, measured orally)
• Blood in stools
• Frequent vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration)
• Signs of dehydration, including a marked decrease in urination, a very dry mouth and throat, or feeling dizzy when standing up.
• Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days

If you are sick, practice frequent and thorough handwashing to prevent secondary fecal-oral disease transmission and disinfect commonly touched surfaces. Preferably stay home and follow your employer’s sickness policy.