Multistate Oyster Food Poisoning Outbreak – CDC Food Safety Alert
On June 21, 2019, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that a multistate outbreak of gastrointestinal illnesses linked to eating raw oysters imported from Mexico appears to be over. The CDC reported that a total of 16 persons across five states were sickened in the outbreak. Available illness onset dates ranged from December 16, 2018 through April 17, 2019. Two of the outbreak victims required hospitalization as a result of their illnesses.
The oyster food poisoning outbreak investigation, conducted by the CDC, FDA, and state and local public health officials, indicated that raw oysters harvested from Estero El Cardon in Baja California Sur, Mexico, were the likely source of the gastrointestinal illnesses.
Multiple Pathogens Responsible For The Oyster Food Poisoning Outbreak
The gastrointestinal illnesses linked to the oysters were caused by multiple pathogens including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Shigella flexneri, STEC non-O157 (E. coli), Vibrio albensis, Campylobacter lari, and norovirus genogroup 1. Some individuals were infected with more than one pathogen.
Multistate Oyster Food Poisoning Outbreak Prompts Oyster Recall
On May 6, 2019, DiCarlo Seafood, Wilmington, CA, recalled its raw oysters harvested from Estero El Cardon in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Mexico’s public health authorities also announced a recall for all raw oysters distributed from Estero El Cardon from the last week of April 2019 through the first week of May 2019.
Outbreak Pathogens And Food Poisoning Symptoms
The CDC stated that the pathogens involved in this outbreak share common food poisoning symptoms including:
“Diarrhea (that may be watery or bloody), stomach cramps or pain, nausea, vomiting and/or fever.”
These symptoms may begin anywhere from 1 to 4 days after the pathogen is ingested, and may last from 1 to 7 days.
The CDC also cautioned the public to
“Call the doctor if you have: diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 F; diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving; bloody stools (poop); prolonged vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down; signs of dehydration, such as: making very little urine, dry mouth and throat, dizziness when standing up.”
The CDC advises that consumers, restaurants, and retailers always handle and cook oysters and other shellfish safely to help prevent foodborne illness. See CDC shellfish safety recommendations.
Contact The Weinberg Law Firm For Oyster Vibrio Lawsuit Help
The Weinberg Law Firm is currently assisting individuals injured by Vibrio food poisoning linked to oysters. If you or a loved one has been injured in a food poisoning outbreak and you would like more information concerning your legal rights, contact our law firm toll free at 877-934-6274. Please see Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuit and C Diff Lawsuit to learn about our personal injury services.
