Norovirus alert: FDA warns of contaminated raw oysters from Mexico

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Raw oysters from sure elements of Mexico might be a supply of norovirus, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning.

The company has suggested eating places and retailers to cease promoting and to dispose of oysters harvested from Bahia Salina, Sonora, Mexico — which have been shipped by freight service Sociedad Acuicola GolPac on Dec. 18, Dec. 19 and Dec. 27, 2023. 

Consumers are additionally suggested towards consuming these oysters and to hunt medical consideration for any signs of norovirus.

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The alert is geared primarily towards California eating places, retailers and shoppers, though the FDA famous that the doubtless contaminated oysters might have additionally been shipped to different states.

The FDA was first alerted to an outbreak of norovirus in San Diego County on Jan. 10, which was linked to oysters shipped from Mexico.

Norovirus - oysters

Raw oysters from sure elements of Mexico might be a supply of norovirus, the FDA has warned. (iStock)

“An investigation is ongoing and the number of illnesses is being tracked,” the FDA’s alert stated 

“Mexican shellfish authorities have initiated an investigation into the source of the illnesses and have closed the Bahia Salina growing area to harvest on Jan. 12, 2024.”

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The contaminated oysters might “look, smell and taste normal,” however could cause sickness if eaten raw, significantly amongst these with compromised immune techniques, the company stated.

Dr. Edward Liu, chief of infectious illnesses at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in New Jersey, instructed Fox News Digital that it’s doubtless the oysters grew in contaminated water.  

“This virus is more common in colder months and can infect large groups of people due to its highly contagious nature,” he stated.

Raw oysters

The FDA warned that the contaminated oysters might “look, smell and taste normal” — however could cause sickness if they’re eaten raw. (iStock)

Dr. Marc Siegel, medical professor of medication at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, identified that the most important downside is that individuals are inclined to eat oysters raw, which ends up in the very best quantity of norovirus if contaminated.

“I would pay very careful attention to these alerts and avoid all oysters coming from these areas in Mexico,” he instructed Fox News Digital.

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is a extremely contagious virus that causes irritation of the abdomen or intestines, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

While it’s sometimes called a “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” it’s not associated to influenza.

Primary signs of the virus embody vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdomen ache.

Some individuals might also expertise fever, headache and physique aches.

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Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can result in dehydration for some sufferers.

“The treatment is supportive with hydration until the symptoms improve,” stated Liu of New Jersey. “The most vulnerable people are the very young or old or immunocompromised, who can’t tolerate dehydration.”

norovirus

Based on electron microscopic (EM) imagery, this illustration gives a three-dimensional (3D) and graphical illustration of a quantity of norovirus virions, set towards a black background. (CDC/Jessica A. Allen)

Symptoms usually develop inside 12 to 48 hours of publicity and have a tendency to subside inside one to a few days, the CDC acknowledged.

Newer stool assessments (PCR-based assessments) can detect the virus and could also be accessible in hospital emergency rooms and a few doctor workplaces, Liu famous, however older stool cultures is not going to detect the virus. 

“The most vulnerable people are the very young or old or immunocompromised.”

“Outbreaks have happened due to contaminated food and are more common in certain settings, like cruise ships and patient facilities,” he stated.

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To stop the unfold of the illness, Lui confused the significance of good hand hygiene and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces. 

“Careful handwashing and use of gloves can help food handlers from catching it or passing it along,” Siegel added.

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People who expertise signs of sickness after consuming oysters ought to search medical consideration and report their signs to their native well being division, the FDA suggested.

For extra Health articles, go to www.foxnews.com/well being.

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