CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Virginia is among 22 states where raw oyster consumption has led to salmonella poisoning, according to the Center for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration. Nationwide, there have been 64 reported salmonella cases linked to raw oysters across to 22 states, with six occurring in Virginia.
The CDC advisory said, “raw oysters can be contaminated with germs any time of year,” and “the CDC and FDA are working to determine if a common source of oysters can be identified.”
The CDC recommended in the advisory cooking oysters before eating to reduce risk of food poisoning and calling a healthcare provider right away if exhibiting severe symptoms such as diarrhea with a fever higher than 102… or is bloody or goes three days without improving.
Symptoms usually display anywhere from 6-hours to 6-days after ingesting the bacteria.
Most recover without treatment in 4-to-7 days, but children younger than 5 of adults older than 65 or with weakened immune systems “may experience more severe illness that require medical treatment or hospitalization”.
