A Salmonella outbreak in Pennsylvania is linked to shellfish harvested from the Little Wicomico River in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The river has been closed to shellfish harvesting. The river is located in Northumberland County, Virginia.
The Virginia Department of Health was notified of a Salmonella outbreak in Pennsylvania that was epidemiologically linked to shellfish from that area. Officials in Virginia are conducting testing of shellfish, inducing oysters and clams, that were harvested from that river.
This temporary emergency closure is effective from October 9, 2026 through November 7, 2026. The shellfish included in this closure include bivalve mollusks, including oysters and clams, but do not include crabs or finfish. The closure has no impact on drinking water.
According to news reports, at least five people in Pennsylvania are sick with salmonellosis. There is no information about the patient age range, whether anyone has been hospitalized, and illness onset dates.
Shellfish such as clams and oysters are filter feeders, which means they can trap particles containing pathogens such as Salmonella bacteria in their flesh. Then, when that shellfish is eaten raw or partially cooked, the person can get sick.
When harvesting shellfish, it’s always important to check and make sure that the area where you are fishing is safe. And cook shellfish thoroughly before eating. It’s better to eat cooked shellfish than raw or undercooked, especially if you are in a group that has a high risk of complications from food poisoning.
