Oysters probable source of norovirus outbreak
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that raw oysters harvested in Canada are potentially contaminated and may be the source of a norovirus outbreak in many US states. The oysters were harvested in the south and central parts of Baynes Sound, British Columbia. They have been distributed to Alaska, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington state. Additional states may also have received the potentially contaminated oysters.
At least 100 people have reported oyster-related illnesses in California. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, as well as state and local organizations to investigate the norovirus outbreak.
Raw oysters can cause food-related illnesses, such as those associated with norovirus infection, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. Food contaminated with noroviruses cannot easily be detected, as it may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers who have purchased raw oysters in any of the infected areas should not eat them. These oysters should be disposed of properly.
Most people infected with norovirus develop diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Diarrhea tends to be watery and non-bloody. Diarrhea is more common in adults and vomiting is more common in children.
Consumers should seek medical help for severed symptoms of norovirus infection, which include diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days, or is accompanied by high fever, blood in the stool, or so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down and you pass very little urine.
For more information about the norovirus outbreak associated with raw oysters, please contact the food poisoning lawyers at 1-888-335-4901.
