Food Safety Report: Closure of all shellfish harvesting in Upper Machodoc Creek due to potential microbiological pollution hazards.

Virginia, United States

Virginia Department of Health announced Saturday, January 22, 2022, that a release of partially treated sewage has closed all shellfish harvesting in Upper Machodoc Creek in King George County. As a result, shellfish, which include bivalve mollusks like oysters and clams, from impacted areas are not safe to eat because of potential microbiological pollution hazards.

According to the news, the temporary emergency closure began Saturday and is slated to continue through Friday, Feb. 11. Officials warned that eating shellfish from the closed areas could cause gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus, hepatitis A and shigellosis. Also, officials noted crabs and fin fish in Upper Machodoc Creek are still safe to catch.

In case you are experiencing gastrointestinal illnesses symptoms, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance.

For more details, please check on: www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/shellfish-harvesting-ban-upper-machodoc-creek-king-george-county

Source: www.wtvr.com