A recent outbreak of salmonella poisoning in Lowndes County in which 72 cases were investigated leaves us with two conclusions, one positive and one negative.
First, the good: The South Georgia Health District and other health officials performed admirably in determining from where the virus originated and isolating it. Investigators found that staff at a local restaurant were using a new meat slicer that tested positive for the salmonella outbreak. The food slicer was immediately removed from service after it was learned that a defect in the product was the culprit. Also, all food items that may have been in contact with the slicer were thrown away and additional food items were collected for testing.
Where we have a problem with the South Georgia Health District is in how tight-lipped the agency was in informing the public about the local health hazard. One official said that if you release information in the middle of the investigation, it may not be accurate.
While the agency may not have had a complete picture of what was happening during the early investigation, it was confirmed that there was a salmonella outbreak. Nineteen people were hospitalized, after all. While most people recover without treatment from salmonella, the elderly and infants can experience severe illness. For that reason, we think health officials should err on the side of giving out more information. Let the public at large realize there is a salmonella outbreak so it can make its own decisions and take precautions accordingly.
We applaud the South Georgia Health District for its work in protecting the public from what could have been a bigger outbreak. At the same time, we urge officials to, in the future, include Lowndes County citizens in the dissemination of information.
What We Think
OUR OPINION: Information necessary to protect public
- What We Think
-
-
Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
Memorial Day has taken on many meanings through the years. The unofficial start of summer, a day off from work, a day to honor family and friends who have passed away.
-
Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
-
Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
-
Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
-
Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
-
School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
-
Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
-
Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
- More What We Think Headlines
-
Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
