Oysters and clams shipped to restaurants across seven states have been recalled due to an outbreak of norovirus.
Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to potentially severe dehydration, stomach inflammation, electrolyte imbalance, and malnutrition.
The seafood, harvested in Washington, were shipped to Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York—and potential other states as well.
The recall began across Washington on December 12, with the FDA announcing a few days later that the affected seafood had gone out to many states.
The Manila clams and oysters were harvested by Rudy’s Shellfish between November 15 and December 11.
Norovirus is highly contagious, and symptoms generally manifest within 12 to 48 hours.
In addition to potentially severe gastrointestinal problems, the virus can cause fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, and widespread body aches.
Before the FDA’s recall was issued, a California-based seafood distributor said to stop any consumption or distribution of shellfish or to immediately return it to the company labeled ‘NOT SAFE, DON’T TOUCH.’
The recall began across Washington on December 12, with the FDA announcing on December 16 that the products may have also been shipped to Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York—and potential other states as well
The latest CDC data update shows that 16.5 percent of tests given to hospitalized patients in the northeast came back positive for norovirus at the beginning of March – nearly a three percent increase from a month earlier
Pathogens from seafood are not uncommon.
An especially sinister pathogen that could be lurking in shellfish is vibrio, a bacteria that when ingested can cause fever, chills, vomiting, and skin lesions.
In June, Washington’s health department detected dangerously high levels of a deadly toxin called paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in clusters of seafood harvested from the coasts of Washington and Oregon.
At that point, contaminated fish already sickened 20 people in Oregon over Memorial Day Weekend, according to an announcement by the authorities.
While most norovirus cases resolve after a few days, vulnurable people with compromised immune systems, young children, and elderly people who are especially susceptible to dehydration.
Medical experts advise being on the watch for decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when getting up. Any of those could be signs of dehydration.
An electrolyte imbalance can be prevented by staying hydrated.
Several drinks on the market are aimed and maintaining levels of electrolytes, which maintain the balance of fluid inside and outside of the cells, are crucial parts of sending nerve signals to the brain, are essential for muscle contraction, and keep the body’s pH balance in check.
The FDA warns against eating, serving, or selling oysters and Manila clams harvested by Rudy’s Shellfish (WA-1590-SS) from Washington’s Pickering Passage between 11/15/2024 and 12/11/2024 due to potential norovirus contamination
The FDA said restaurants and retailers should recognize shellfish as a potential source of pathogens and take precautions to prevent cross-contamination in food processing environments.
This includes thoroughly washing hands with warm water and soap after cleaning and sanitizing.
Food service operators who handle potentially contaminated products must ensure cutting surfaces and utensils are not exposed to cross-contamination.
Additionally, retailers selling bulk products should clean and sanitize the containers used for storage. Maintaining regular and frequent cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces and utensils can significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
According to the latest CDC data, 16.5 percent of tests administered to hospitalized patients in the Northeast tested positive for norovirus in early March, marking an increase of nearly three percentage points compared to the previous month.
This represents a significant rise from the 4 percent positivity rate reported in November when the outbreak began.
Cases are also rising throughout the rest of the US, with 15 percent of swabs now detecting the virus compared to nine percent in November.
Dr Darin Detwiler, a former FDA and USDA food safety advisor previously told DailyMail.com that norovirus ‘imposes a significant public health and economic burden on the country.’
Around 21 million Americans become sick with norovirus every year – roughly six percent of the population.
Every year, it leads to about 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths.
