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| Why The Code of Silence On Deadly Botulism? By: James Clark News Radio 1420 demands some accountability for the lack of public announcements and lack of answers to news media inquiries on botulism and the Castleberry recall. Local news media including News Radio 1420 knew about the local angle of the national food recall story for well more than a week. But knowing it and getting official information for a story are two different issues. News Radio 1420 asked Lubbock’s public health coordinator, Tigi Ward, why did the general public not hear from the Lubbock Health Department on the issue of botulism and the recall of Castleberry products? Ward says, “The cases were not in our local jurisdiction. Consequently any information regarding the cases would come from that jurisdiction.” In other words the case did not start in Lubbock. It started in another town. So, if we understand this correctly it is her contention that either Abernathy officials needed to say something about it or the state health department needed to say something about it. The Lubbock Health Department was not the lead agency. Ward says she did put local doctors and hospitals on alert. “When we became aware of the cases I did issue an alert to all of the local clinicians to make them aware of the exposure, the two Texas Cases, the product recall and to report people who present signs and symptoms of botulism poisoning to notify us” Botulism is serious. It can lead to paralysis or death. Chances are local grocery stores have been very vigilant about getting recalled Castleberry products off the shelves. But what if you bought this stuff before the recall was announced? Is any of the recalled food still in your pantry? Ward says, “But people should be wary that they may have some of popular products in their pantries, and to simply get rid of them. Don’t bother opening or see if you can test it or anything like that.” Botulism is a foodborne illness. You cannot catch it from another person. The early signs of botulism include blurred vision, and droopy eyelids. Slurred speech and trouble swallowing are next. And then there is muscle paralysis that starts at the top of the body and works its way down. If you have these kinds of symptoms get to the emergency room. The earlier you get treated the better your chances of recovering and surviving. Story Posted: Thu Aug 2 06:15:00 CDT 2007 Created: Thu Aug 2 05:44:40 CDT 2007 BACK TO HOME/NEWS This Just In... • Linda DeLeon Bows Out Top Story • Fog/ Failure Causes Cancellations Lubbock News & Lbk County • Lubbock Gas Prices Updates & Developing Stories • National & International News Weather • Monday Forecast Business • AM Business Notebook Around Texas • Austin Headlines • Dallas Headlines • Houston Headlines • San Antonio Headlines This Day In History • Today In History Birthdays • Today's Birthdays Entertainment • Police Officer Buys Man Food For Family • Tonight's TV Off Beat News Of The Day • Skateboarder Hit While Sending Text Health Beat • Health Watch Sports • Sports Shorts |
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