FDA links norovirus outbreak to raw oysters

Eleven cases of norovirus have been reported among individuals who ate raw oysters harvested from a site in Louisiana, according to a recent FDA press release.

Health department officials in Mississippi confirmed the cases of norovirus among individuals who had eaten raw oysters at a conference center in Jackson County, Miss., on March 10. The FDA was notified. Public health agencies are warning consumers not to purchase or eat oysters from the affected area and warning retailers and food-service operators not to sell or serve them.

An investigation conducted by the FDA and health authorities from Mississippi and Louisiana determined that the contaminated oysters were harvested from a location near Port Sulphur, La., known as Area 7, which is located in the Gulf of Mexico near the mouth of the Mississippi River. The source of pollution or contamination is not yet known.

Health department officials in Louisiana have recalled Area 7 oysters harvested between March 6 and March 24. The area was closed to harvesting on March 24. Area 7 oysters have been sold or distributed nationwide.

Consumers, retailers and food service operators are encouraged to determine the source of all raw molluscan shellfish to verify their origin. Individuals who ate oysters from Area 7 during the specified dates and experienced symptoms of norovirus infection should contact a health care professional.

Raw oyster consumption of any kind is not recommended for people with immunocompromised conditions, a history of chronic alcohol abuse, liver, stomach or blood disorders, cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease and those taking certain medications for rheumatoid arthritis or cancer chemotherapy.