State health department announces cause of sicknesses at Toyo Tire plant

The Georgia Department of Public Health says it was salmonella that sickened people at an employee event last week at Toyo Tire Company in White, Ga.

State inspectors took samples from people who fell ill after the event, which led to five people being hospitalized.

The Bartow County restaurant which catered the event has voluntarily closed. The state says it will stay closed until the week of November 27.

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In the meantime, workers from the restaurant are receiving what is called "rigorous training in safe food handling from the Bartow County Health Department."

Approximately 1,800 Toyo Tire employees attended the event. The state says research to make sure no one was else was affected by the salmonella is continuing.

Persons whose symptoms are severe should see their doctor or health care provider -- especially if their symptoms include the following:

• 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