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Vibrio Outbreak in Washington State, Oysters Recalled

by News Desk | Sep 25, 2011

Oysters from Washington State are being recalled because they may be contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

The State Health Department Saturday warnedthat consumers should not eat oysters harvested in the Hood Canalgrowing area No. 4 between August 30th and September 19th because theycould be carrying the bacteria, which causes an illness calledvibriosis in humans. Distributors, retailers and restaurants areadvised not to sell or distribute these products.

Thegrowing area was shut down after 5 people became ill following theconsumption of raw oysters carrying the same type of Vibrio bacteria.

Vibrioparahaemolyticus bacteria occur naturally in the environment, but canmultiply in warm water to a level that is dangerous to humans.  Anaverage of 50 cases of vibriosis are reported in Washington State peryear.

Symptomsof a Vibrio infection usually appear around 15 hours after eating thecontaminated food, although they can take as long as 4 days tomanifest. They include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps,headache, fever and chills.

Symptoms usuallygo away in 2 days to a week after onset, but can persist or cause severillness or death in those with weakened immune system or liver disease. Taking antacids increases one's chances of reacting poorly to thebacteria, as decreased stomach acid reduces the body's ability to breakdown the bacteria.

If you think you may have a Vibrio infection, contact your local health department. If severe diarrhea or fever persists, contact your healthcare provider.

Harvestedshellfish should be kept refrigerated before consumption. Oystersshould be cooked to a temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit in order tokill any bacteria they may contain.