Oysters and clams shipped to restaurants across seven states have been recalled due to an outbreak of norovirus.
Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to potentially severe dehydration, stomach inflammation, electrolyte imbalance, and malnutrition.
The seafood, harvested in Washington, were shipped to Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York—and potential other states as well.
The recall began across Washington on December 12, with the FDA announcing a few days later that the affected seafood had gone out to many states.
The Manila clams and oysters were harvested by Rudy’s Shellfish between November 15 and December 11.
Norovirus is highly contagious, and symptoms generally manifest within 12 to 48 hours.
In addition to potentially severe gastrointestinal problems, the virus can cause fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, and widespread body aches.
Before the FDA’s recall was issued, a California-based seafood distributor said to stop any consumption or distribution of shellfish or to immediately return it to the company labeled ‘NOT SAFE, DON’T TOUCH.’
The recall began across Washington on December 12, with the FDA announcing on December 16 that the products may have also been shipped to Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York—and potential other states as well
Pathogens from seafood are not uncommon.
An especially sinister pathogen that could be lurking in shellfish is vibrio, a bacteria that when ingested can cause fever, chills, vomiting, and skin lesions.
In June, Washington’s health department detected dangerously high levels of a deadly toxin called paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in clusters of seafood harvested from the coasts of Washington and Oregon.
At that point, contaminated fish already sickened 20 people in Oregon over Memorial Day Weekend, according to an announcement by the authorities.
While most norovirus cases resolve after a few days, vulnurable people with compromised immune systems, young children, and elderly people who are especially susceptible to dehydration.
Medical experts advise being on the watch for decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when getting up. Any of those could be signs of dehydration.
