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Campylobacter outbreak possibly linked to shellfish from Potters Pond, South Kingstown, RI
3 years ago •source ri.gov • business
Outbreak
South Kingstown, 02879 Rhode Island, United States
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island of Environmental Management (DEM) are announcing the immediate closure of the Potters Pond (GA10PP), located in South Kingstown, to all shellfish harvesting, because of an ongoing investigation into seven instances in which people became ill after consuming raw shellfish between August 11th and August 19th.Two of these individuals tested positive for Campylobacter Jejuni. RIDOH started taking samples on the pond and one of the samples tested positive for Campylobacter lari. Even when this is a different type of Campylobacter than the one found on sick individuals, it indicates the presence of the bacteria in the pond. RIDOH is collecting additional shellfish samples for further testing. The pond will remain closed until further notice.
RIDOH has contacted all commercial harvesters in this area to ensure that any product harvested during this time frame is not sold at restaurants and markets. RIDOH is urging recreational harvesters who harvested shellfish in Potters Pond between September 9th through September 11th to either discard the shellfish or avoid consuming them raw or undercooked.
In case you experience Campylobacter symptoms such as diarrhea (often bloody), fever, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, report it now. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance.
For more details check on: www.ri.gov/press/view/42081
Source: RIDOH
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