Norovirus alert: What you need to know about the oyster outbreak
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A shocking norovirus outbreak is sweeping the nation, and oysters are at the center. If you love seafood, you need to hear this now.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall on oysters and Manila clams due to a norovirus contamination.
The affected products, including Rudy’s Shellfish branded oysters and Manila clams, were harvested and sold between November 15, 2024, and December 11, 2024.
The states directly impacted by this recall include Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and Washington, with the possibility of other states being affected as well.
In addition to Rudy’s Shellfish, certain oysters from Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi, harvested by Pacific Northwest Shellfish and Union Bay Seafood, are also being recalled.
These oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers nationwide and were harvested between December 1 and December 9.
The gravity of the situation is not to be underestimated.
While the exact number of illnesses connected to these recalls is currently unknown, the potential for widespread impact is clear.
Consumers are advised to dispose of any impacted products immediately to prevent the risk of infection.
Norovirus is often referred to as the “stomach flu,” although it is not related to influenza.
It's a highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastroenteritis, characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches.
These symptoms typically emerge between 12 and 48 hours after infection and can last up to three days.
While norovirus can affect anyone, certain groups are particularly vulnerable.
Young children, seniors aged 65 or older, and individuals with compromised immune systems may experience more prolonged illnesses.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of infection after consuming the recalled oysters or clams, it's crucial to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Shellfish, when sourced and prepared correctly, can be a safe and delicious part of our diets.
However, norovirus is more resilient in colder climates, making shellfish consumption riskier from November to March.
This is because the virus can survive longer periods in cold water, increasing the chances of contamination.
If you have recently purchased or consumed oysters or Manila clams, here's what you should do:
1. Check the Source: Verify if the shellfish you've purchased is part of the recall by checking the FDA's website or contacting the place of purchase.
2. Dispose of Recalled Products: If you have any of the affected shellfish, dispose of them immediately to prevent the risk of infection.
3. Monitor Your Health: Be vigilant for any symptoms of norovirus, and seek medical attention if you suspect you've been infected.
4. Contact Authorities: For questions about the recalls and outbreak, reach out to your local FDA complaint coordinator.
To minimize the risk of norovirus and other foodborne illnesses, consider the following tips:
Have you been affected by the norovirus outbreak? Do you have tips for selecting and preparing shellfish safely? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall on oysters and Manila clams due to a norovirus contamination.
The affected products, including Rudy’s Shellfish branded oysters and Manila clams, were harvested and sold between November 15, 2024, and December 11, 2024.
The states directly impacted by this recall include Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and Washington, with the possibility of other states being affected as well.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall on oysters and Manila clams due to a norovirus contamination. Image source: Alina Skazka/Pexels.
In addition to Rudy’s Shellfish, certain oysters from Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi, harvested by Pacific Northwest Shellfish and Union Bay Seafood, are also being recalled.
These oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers nationwide and were harvested between December 1 and December 9.
The gravity of the situation is not to be underestimated.
While the exact number of illnesses connected to these recalls is currently unknown, the potential for widespread impact is clear.
Consumers are advised to dispose of any impacted products immediately to prevent the risk of infection.
Norovirus is often referred to as the “stomach flu,” although it is not related to influenza.
It's a highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastroenteritis, characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches.
These symptoms typically emerge between 12 and 48 hours after infection and can last up to three days.
While norovirus can affect anyone, certain groups are particularly vulnerable.
Young children, seniors aged 65 or older, and individuals with compromised immune systems may experience more prolonged illnesses.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of infection after consuming the recalled oysters or clams, it's crucial to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
The seafood products were sold nationwide and are linked to multiple illnesses. Image source: Julia Filirovska/Pexels.
Shellfish, when sourced and prepared correctly, can be a safe and delicious part of our diets.
However, norovirus is more resilient in colder climates, making shellfish consumption riskier from November to March.
This is because the virus can survive longer periods in cold water, increasing the chances of contamination.
If you have recently purchased or consumed oysters or Manila clams, here's what you should do:
1. Check the Source: Verify if the shellfish you've purchased is part of the recall by checking the FDA's website or contacting the place of purchase.
2. Dispose of Recalled Products: If you have any of the affected shellfish, dispose of them immediately to prevent the risk of infection.
3. Monitor Your Health: Be vigilant for any symptoms of norovirus, and seek medical attention if you suspect you've been infected.
4. Contact Authorities: For questions about the recalls and outbreak, reach out to your local FDA complaint coordinator.
To minimize the risk of norovirus and other foodborne illnesses, consider the following tips:
- Opt for cooked shellfish, especially during the colder months.
- Practice good hand hygiene, washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food.
- Ensure that the shellfish you purchase comes from reputable sources with proper handling and storage practices.
