Canada has had an issue with contaminated oysters for some time. Now the FDA is warning consumers to avoid the potentially contaminated shellfish.The FDA has confirmed that potentially contaminated raw oysters that were harvested in the south and central parts of Baynes Sound, British Columbia, Canada, were distributed to California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington state. These shellfish are linked to a norovirus outbreak in Canada. A traceback investigation is being conducted to discover where the shellfish were distributed, and to make sure they are removed from the food supply. Retailers should not sell raw oysters that were harvested within these harvest locations, also called landfills, in Baynes Sound: #1411206, #1400483, and #278757. Consumers should know that … [Read more...]
FDA Tells Consumers to Avoid Raw Oysters From Baynes Sound, Canada for Possible Norovirus
Norovirus Outbreak Associated with Raw Oysters in British Columbia
A norovirus outbreak that is associated with raw oysters has been reported in British Columbia, according to the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC). Officials are warning consumers to avoid eating raw oysters to stop this outbreak. Norovirus is a highly contagious disease that causes symptoms of food poisoning. Since early March 2018, about 40 cases have been reported to public health authorities. All of those sickened said they ate raw oysters from British Columbia before they got sick. Lab testing has confirmed that the pathogen responsible for some of those cases is norovirus. In order to kill this virus and other pathogens, the BCCDC recommends that consumers cook oysters thoroughly, to an internal temperature of 90°C (194°F) for 90 seconds. Two oyster … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak at Winter Olympics in Korea Sickens Almost 200
The Olympic host town of PyeongChang in South Korea has been the site of a norovirus outbreak just before and during the Winter Olympics. The Korea Herald states that almost 200 people, mostly support staff and security staff, have been sickened. No athletes have been reported sickened to date. Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes food poisoning symptoms. People suffering from this illness experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The virus spreads quickly among people coming into contact with each other, and is also spread through food, drink, and common contact surfaces. Norovirus can be destroyed with a bleach solution. The latest news is that the cooking water at the lodging facility where private security staff stayed may have been contaminated. Public health … [Read more...]
More Than 400 Sickened in Norovirus Outbreak at El Toro Restaurants in Tacoma, Washington
At least 400 people have been sickened in a norovirus outbreak in Tacoma, Washington that is linked to two El Toro restaurants. Those two restaurants are located at 3820 Bridgeport Way West in University Place, and at 5716 North 26th Street in the Westgate area of the city. Health officials said last week that the outbreak number is now 434 sick. Reports of an outbreak started on January 5, 2018 from patrons who ate there between December 31, 2017 and January 2, 2018. People were experiencing the typical symptoms of norovirus, which included vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually begin about a day or two after exposure to the pathogenic virus. Lab testing on patient samples identified norovirus in the outbreak in Westgate. Tests are still pending for the illnesses at … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas Sickens Almost 200 Passengers
Almost 200 passengers on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas cruise ship have been sickened with what officials believe is norovirus, according to the line and news reports. That ship can carry almost 6,000 people. The liner left Singapore on November 23, 2017. The outbreak began soon after. Cruise ships, just like other places where many gather in a relatively confined space, are notorious for norovirus outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posts outbreak updates for international cruise ships that sail from a foreign port to a U.S. port. The ships which participate in the Vessel Sanitation Program report the number of gastrointestinal illnesses, including zero, which have been evaluated by medical staff at least 24 hours before the ship arrives at … [Read more...]
Ohio Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Mama C’s Donuts in Maumee
A norovirus outbreak that has sickened to more than 300 people has been linked to food from Mama C's Donuts and Coffee in Maumee, Ohio, according to the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department. During a news conference, officials also said that 19 people have been sickened through person-to-person contact. The restaurant is cooperating with the investigation, according to health officials. The facility could reopen this afternoon, after thorough cleaning. All of those sickened, except those sickened with secondary infections, had eaten food from the restaurant between Augusts 4 and August 8, 2017. Health Commissioner Eric Zgodzinski said, "the issue comes back to when the product stopped being sold and consumed. We're expecting that to be probably Tuesday. I wouldn't think we … [Read more...]
Outbreak at Chipotle in Sterling, VA is Norovirus
The Loudoun County Health Department has announced that the outbreak at the Chipotle Mexican Grill at 21031 Tripleseven Road in Sterling, Virginia is most likely caused by norovirus. The notice states that two ill patrons have tested positive for the same strain of norovirus. Dr. David Goodfriend, director of the Health Department said, "Based on symptoms reported and these preliminary laboratory results, the cause of the outbreak is believed to be norovirus, though the specific source of the norovirus has not yet been identified. The Health Department is not aware of any customers becoming ill since the reopening of the facility last Wednesday." Some of the people who are sick in this outbreak are Chipotle employees. But the source of norovirus is notoriously difficult to track … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak at Special Kids Day in Wisconsin
A norovirus outbreak that sickened at least 60 people last month at the Special Kids Day event at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds has been linked to contaminated food served there. Jennifer Miller, spokeswoman for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services said, "all evidence in the investigation suggests that the primary mode of transmission of norovirus was through contaminated food. However, the source has not been determined and remains under investigation." Lab testing found a "commonality" in stool samples from ill persons that showed the outbreak was caused by food. Norovirus is spread through person-to-person contact, by touching contaminated surfaces, and by eating contaminated food and drink. About 738 disabled students from 26 school districts were at the … [Read more...]
Oysters Recalled in Washington After Norovirus Outbreak
The Washington State Department of Health is recalling oysters and closing harvest areas after a norovirus outbreak. Over the past few weeks reports of illness in people who have eaten raw oysters from several areas in the state have been received. Small harvest closures and recalls have been ordered over the past few weeks. The largest closed area is in Hammersley Inlet in Mason County. In that area, a recall has been issued for any shellfish harvested there since March 15, 2017. The three-mile stretch of commercial shellfish growing beds is harvested by 31 shellfish companies and is shipped to many areas around the word. The Department of Health is working with shellfish growers, officials in other states, and local health department to trace all of the product and recall it to … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak in Washington Associated with Raw Oysters
Public health officials in Seattle and King County are investigating multiple reports of a norovirus-like illness in people who ate raw oysters. Since January, officials have received reports that as many as 39 people were sickened after eating that shellfish. Illnesses have been reported during the time period ranging from January 10 through March 20, 2017. Public health has reported the illnesses to the Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Program, which tracks the reports and harvest locations of the oysters implicated in this outbreak. The oysters were all harvested from different growing areas and bays in Washington state with the exception of four meals. Those four meals, which account for 22 of the illnesses, were made of oysters harvested from a small bay in the … [Read more...]
