Oyster Related Norovirus Outbreak Impacts 103 People

The U.S. CDC confirmed on April 6, 2022, that it is working with the U.S. FDA and Canadian public health authorities to continue investigating a multistate norovirus outbreak linked to raw oysters imported from British Columbia.

As of April 6, 2022, at least 103 norovirus illnesses have been reported from 13 U.S. states.

The FDA has confirmed that potentially contaminated raw oysters were harvested in the south and central parts of Baynes Sound, British Columbia, Canada.

The FDA initially issued a health alert on April 4, 2022, advising restaurants and retailers to reduce their patron's risks and remove these oysters from the food supply.

Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. 

Anyone who consumes raw shellfish is at risk of contracting norovirus.

Each year, there are about 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks. Most outbreaks occur when infected people spread the virus to others through direct contact.

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed, and most people with norovirus illness get better within three days.

There is a risk of dehydration with this illness, so call a healthcare provider right away if young children, older people, or anyone getting sick seems dehydrated.

And there are about 900 deaths annually, mostly among seniors.

However, there are no U.S. FDA-approved vaccines available.

This investigation is ongoing, says the CDC.

Note: This news article aggregated and edited various content and was curated for mobile readership.