Rome, GA: Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District and Bartow County Health Department environmental health specialists and epidemiologists continue to investigate a likely foodborne-illness outbreak related to a catered employee event at Toyo Tire in White, GA, last week.
Cause of the outbreak still has not been determined. We may not have conclusive test results for three-to-five days, possibly longer, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
We know of two hospitalizations in Bartow, but there may have been more. We are working with Toyo HR to determine how many people potentially may have been affected and believe it is approximately 1,800. We are also working with Toyo HR to gather more information about the outbreak from their employees.
The permitted food-service facility in Bartow County that catered the event has cooperated with Bartow County Health Department environmental health specialists investigating the outbreak.
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