Washington Consumer Protection News

FDA Investigating Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Oysters

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating an outbreak of norovirus-associated illness linked to eating raw oysters harvested from San Antonio Bay, TX. FDA advises consumers to avoid eating raw oysters harvested from this area after February 1, 2007, as a result of reports of illnesses in people who attended a Maryland event where these oysters were served. Symptoms of illness associated with norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping. Affected individuals often experience low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness. Most people show symptoms within 48 hours of exposure to the virus. The illness typically lasts one to two days.

Consumers who ate oyster products served in restaurants after February 1 and experienced symptoms of norovirus are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider and local health department. Consumers concerned about oysters purchased during this period should contact their place of purchase to determine if the oysters are from the affected lot of oysters.

To date, illnesses have been reported by 25 individuals who ate raw oysters over the weekend of February 9, 2007 – February 11, 2007 at a Bull & Oyster Event in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene’s test results from ill patients are positive for norovirus. Read more at fda.gov.

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