Live Spot Prawn - linked to Norovirus Outbreak in Canada

Canada

####Update June 23, 2022

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced that this outbreak appears to be over and the outbreak investigation has been closed. As of June 23, 2022, a total of 60 cases of norovirus and gastrointestinal illness were reported in the following provinces: British Columbia (18), Alberta (12), Manitoba (19), and Ontario (11). Individuals became sick between mid-May and late-May 2022, and no deaths were reported. Although not all cases of illness were tested, laboratory testing had confirmed the presence of norovirus infection.

Source: PHAC

June 1, 2022

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and Health Canada to investigate an outbreak of norovirus and gastrointestinal illnesses linked to Live Spot Prawn involving four provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario.

As of June 1, 2022, there have been 48 cases of norovirus and gastrointestinal illness reported in the following provinces: British Columbia (11), Alberta (12), Manitoba (19), and Ontario (6). No deaths have been reported. Individuals became sick between mid-May and late-May 2022. Although not all cases of illness have been tested, laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of norovirus infection. The investigation is ongoing.

On May 31, 2022, the CFIA issued a food recall warning for several lot codes of live spot prawns that are associated with the illnesses under investigation. The recalled products have been sold in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario, and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.

Spot prawns contaminated with noroviruses may look, smell and taste normal. PHAC advises the following safe food-handling practices will reduce your risk of getting sick:

- Do not eat, use, sell, or serve the recalled spot prawns. Check to see if you have the recalled spot prawns at home. If you do, throw them out and wash your hands.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked spot prawns.
- Eat spot prawns right away after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.
- Always keep raw and cooked spot prawns separate to avoid cross-contamination.
- Do not use the same plate or utensils for raw and cooked spot prawns.
- Wash your hands well with soap before and after handling any food.
- Be sure to clean and sanitize cutting boards, counters, knives and other utensils after preparing raw foods.

Noroviruses can be transmitted by ill individuals. Cleaning and disinfecting practices are the key to preventing further illnesses in your home.

Source: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2022/outbreak-norovirus-gastrointestinal-illness-linked-spot-prawns.html