Oysters linked to norovirus illnesses

Officials with the Texas Department of State Health Services recalled oysters harvested from the San Antonio Bay between Nov. 16 to Nov. 26, after about a dozen reports of gastroenteritis among people who consumed the shellfish in three different states.

Officials from the FDA, the CDC, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas are currently investigating the outbreak, according to a press release. In the meantime, consumers should avoid eating the oysters and should discard any oysters with a label indicating they originated from San Antonio Bay.

The FDA advises restaurant operators and retailers not to serve or sell oysters subjected to the advisory, and to check with suppliers if they are unsure of the source of oysters on hand. Likewise, consumers are encouraged to inquire about the source of oysters listed as menu items.

Consumers who ate oyster products on or after Nov. 16 and who have experienced symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping should contact their health care provider and local health department.

Affected individuals often experience low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness. Symptoms most commonly manifest within 48 hours of exposure to the virus, and illness typically lasts one-to-two days, according to the FDA.