The Cape Cod Times is reporting that eight cases of Vibrio food poisoning were reported in Massachusetts this year from oysters. Last summer the state designed new regulations to keep consumers safe from this bacteria, but they failed. The eight cases were linked to oysters harvested from Wellfleet, Orleans, Edgartown, Duxbury, Kingston, Barnstable, and Dennis. Public health officials think that increased public awareness may be part of the cause of this outbreak, but warmer water and air temperatures this last summer may be to blame. Vibrio was not seen in Massachusetts oysters until 2011 because the state's colder water temperatures discouraged the growth of the bacteria. In every month in 2012, the mean air temperatures were higher than average, including the third-warmest April and … [Read more...]
Eight Cases of Vibrio Food Poisoning Linked to Oysters Reported in Massachusetts This Year
Vibrio in Shellfish Sicken 30 in Washington State
According to the Washington State Department of Health, Vibrio in shellfish have caused 30 confirmed illnesses in Washington this summer. The presence of the bacteria has closed three commercial growing areas, including Totten Inlet near Olympic, North Bay, and Dabob Bay in north Hood Canal for the rest of the summer. Vibriosis, the illness caused by the bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus, is caused by eating raw or undercooked oysters. Despite the typical recommendation of cooking shellfish until they open, that is not enough to destroy Vibrio. To be safe, shellfish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F for 15 seconds. In addition, rinsing cooked oysters in seawater can re-contaminate them. And, some pathogens can't be "cooked out" of shellfish. Some biotoxins can … [Read more...]
Drakes Bay Oysters Recalled for Vibrio; Three Sickened
Drakes Bay Oyster Co. in Marin County California is recalling shucked and in-shell oysters. They may be contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a bacteria that can cause serious illness. In fact, the oysters are linked to an outbreak that has sickened three people so far. The affected oysters include shucked oysters in 9 ounce, 1 pint, 1 quart containers and half gallon jars and tubs. The lot numbers are 363 through 421. The in-shell oysters are sold individually or in bags ranging from 1 dozen to 7 dozen. Harvest tags range from July 17, 2012 to August 8, 2012. If anyone has any of these oysters, do not eat them; throw them away. Symptoms of Vibrio infection include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, fever, and chills. Those in high risk groups, including the very … [Read more...]
FDA Warns Consumers Against Eating Shellfish from Oyster Bay Harbor
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to not eat raw or partially cooked oysters and clams with tags listing Oyster Bay Harbor in Nassau County, New York as the harvest area. Eight people in several states have been sickened with Vibrio parahaemolyticus food poisoning after consuming those foods. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) closed Oyster Bay Harbor to shellfish harvesting on July 13, 2012. The FDA told shellfish harvesters, shippers, re-shippers, processors, restaurants, and retail food establishments to dispose of any shellfish that have identity tags showing Oyster Bay Harbor was the harvest area and harvest date on or after June 1, 2012. The area will remain closed until samples taken by the DEC indicate that shellfish are no … [Read more...]
Shellfish from Oyster Bay in Nassau County NY Linked to Vibrio Outbreak
The New York Department of Environmental conservation is advising food establishments to avoid using or selling shellfish harvested from areas in the town of Oyster Bay, N.Y. According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, harvesting is no longer allowed in that area because of an illness outbreak caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a naturally occurring marine bacteria. All of the underwater land in Oyster Bay Harbor in an area from the stone house on Plum Point to the northwestern point of Cover Point on Cove Neck are closed for harvest. This include about 1,980 acres on the north shore of Oyster Bay. Three people who ate raw or undercooked shellfish in Nassau County have become ill. And five more people in other states are sick after eating shellfish harvested in Oyster Bay. … [Read more...]
Washington State Warns of Increased Bacteria in Raw Oysters
Right on the heels of a Vibrio outbreak in Missouri, the Washington state Department of Health is warning consumers to cook oysters before eating them. Traditionally, raw oysters are avoided in the summer months (months without an "R" in the name) because Vibrio parahaemolyticus grows more readily in brackish water during the warm summer months. Jerrod Davis, director of the Department of Health's Office of Shellfish and Water Protection, said in a statement, "Vibriosis is completely preventable. We want people to enjoy our state's wonderful shellfish, and following some simple safety tips can help keep people healthy this summer." Most people cook shellfish, such as oysters, mussels, and clams, until the shells open. But that's not enough to kill any bacteria that may be present. … [Read more...]
Outbreak of Vibrio in Missouri
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has announced there is an outbreak of Vibriosis in eastern Missouri. The illnesses are caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which is usually associated with eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. Three cases of the illnesses have been identified June 27 and 28, 2012. Risk factors for acquiring this disease include eating raw or undercooked oysters, clams, mussels, or crabs; or cross-contamination of other foods or surfaces with raw seafood. The bacteria lives in brackish water and grows easily in warm water during the summer months. Symptoms of the illness include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Some people become very ill, with fever and low blood pressure; those with weakened immune … [Read more...]
