Earlier this month, the Food and Drug Administration issued its fourth bad oyster recall in three weeks involving various oysters harvested in Washington that may be contaminated with norovirus.
Here is What You Need to Know
- The caution pertains to oysters gathered by Ruco’s Shellfish between December 2 and December 17 from a growing area in Washington’s Hammersley Inlet, approximately 80 miles southwest of Seattle.
- The FDA stated that the oysters “may have been distributed to other states” after being supplied in Washington and Oregon.
- The FDA issued the recall in response to a nationwide spike in norovirus cases, pointing out that eating oysters tainted with the infectious virus can make people sick and can cause serious disease in people with weakened immune systems.
- Restaurants and retailers that have the potentially tainted oysters are being advised by the FDA to either discard them or send them back to their distributor for disposal.
Norovirus is an infectious virus that causes diarrhea and projectile vomiting. Fever, headaches, and body aches are potential added symptoms. You can get norovirus by eating or drinking contaminated food or beverages, encountering contaminated surfaces, or interacting with infected individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fresh fruits, leafy greens, and shellfish (such as oysters) are frequently implicated in norovirus outbreaks. Although the CDC reports that Norovirus causes an average of 900 fatalities annually, primarily among those 65 and older, most people with the virus recover in one to three days, though they can still spread the infection a few days after.
The Dangers of Eating Raw Oysters
Many people consider raw oysters to be a delicacy, but there are some hazards involved that potential consumers should be aware of. The main risks of eating raw oysters originate from the potential presence of dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Vibriosis, an infection brought on by bacteria of the Vibrio genus, specifically Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus, is one of the biggest health concerns associated with raw oysters.
What is Vibrio?
Vibrio is a genus of bacteria commonly found in warm marine environments, including coastal waters like those in Florida. While there are many types of Vibrio bacteria, the two most concerning when it comes to oyster consumption are Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is less severe than Vibrio vulnificus, but it can still cause gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. It is a common cause of food poisoning linked to seafood consumption.
Symptoms of Vibrio Infections
Vibrio vulnificus
- Fever and chills
- Septicemia (bloodstream infection)
- Skin infections, blisters, or ulcers, particularly in individuals with open wounds
- Severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting
- In severe cases, it can lead to limb amputations or death
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
- Watery diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Mild fever
The Risk of Consuming Raw Oysters Goes Beyond Vibrio Infections
Raw oysters can host infections other than Vibrio bacterium, including:
- Norovirus: Often linked to shellfish tainted by feces in the ocean, this extremely contagious virus can cause gastroenteritis. Outbreaks of norovirus are frequent in places with poor water quality and sanitation.
- Hepatitis A: Contaminated oysters can also spread Hepatitis A, albeit this is less common. The virus causes liver infection and is particularly dangerous for people with pre-existing liver problems.
- Parasitic infections: Raw oysters can be infested with parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, resulting in gastrointestinal disorders.
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Vibrio vulnificus kills roughly one in five people, sometimes just a day or two after becoming ill. If you have lost a family member due to a Vibrio infection from tainted oysters we can help you explore the possibility of filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault establishment. Likewise, if you have contracted another foodborne illness from a restaurant due to bad oysters, we can help you explore your legal options.
We urge you to act now and call us at 866-608-5529 for a FREE consultation. You can always contact us online.