California,
United States
The County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is investigating 41 confirmed and probable cases of norovirus linked to raw oysters from a specific harvesting location in Northwest Mexico. The reported cases originated in mid-December following the consumption of raw oysters from Sonora, Mexico.
The HHSA has asked restaurants to set aside “Rocky Point oysters” packed by GOLPAC located in Bahia Salina, Sonora, Mexico until further notice. Restaurants or others who purchased oysters from this location are asked to not use them while an investigation of this outbreak takes place.
The linkage between the illness and the consumption of raw oysters was established through the patients' reports of having eaten raw oysters a day or two prior to the onset of symptoms. With age range from 12 to 83 years old, symptomatic individuals experienced nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but none required hospitalization. Remarkably, some individuals who had not consumed the oysters came down with the illness, suggesting the disease spread within households. Cases to date have been tied to oysters served at three locations of The Fish Shop (Pacific Beach, Point Loma, and Encinitas) restaurants and the Carlsbad Aquafarm. Other locations may emerge during this investigation.
In light of these events, County Public Health advises consumers to inquire about the origin of oysters before consuming them. They emphasize the importance of frequent hand-washing and medical attention in case of illness.
Furthermore, the HHSA is cooperating closely with the California Department of Public Health and the Shellfish Program to probe into the association between the illnesses and the oysters.
In case you experience Norovirus symptoms, report it now. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.
Source:
www.countynewscenter.com
