Texas Oysters Recalled for Norovirus Contamination

Washington, DCThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a health alert regarding oysters harvested from the San Antonio Bay, which have been linked to the Norovirus.

CNN reported yesterday that the state health department in Texas recalled all oysters harvested in San Antonio Bay between November 16 and 25. The Bay has also been closed to commercial oyster harvesting, pending an investigation of the contamination.

About a dozen or so cases of norovirus-related illness were reported in North and South Carolina, and, according to an FDA spokesperson, the illnesses were "definitely linked" to the oysters.

Norovirus causes gastroenteritis (stomach flu) and is highly contagious. Symptoms associated with the virus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping. Affected individuals often experience low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. The illness typically lasts one to two days according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The FDA recommends that anyone who purchased San Antonio Bay oysters on or after November 16 dispose of the oysters immediately. Restaurant managers and grocers have also been alerted to the problem.

Officials in Texas are still trying to determine the cause.