The Denotta Company of Hood Canal, Washington is recalling all Pacific oysters, varying in size from extra small to large, for possible Vibrio Parahaemolyticus contamination. The oysters were distributed nationwide.
The harvest dates of the oysters are from July 5, 2013 to July 25, 2013. The states that received the oysters include Arizona, Oregon, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. There are more states involved; the Washington State Department of Health will have more information as more states are contacted.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium in the same family that causes cholera. The bacteria is in coastal waters in the U.S. and Canada and is present in higher concentrations in the summer. The bacteria causes watery diarrhea, with cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Symptoms occur within 24 hours of exposure. The disease is usually self-limiting, but people with weakened immune systems can become seriously ill with a Vibrio infection. Most people get sick by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.
