Connecticut health officials are urging residents to use caution when consuming raw or undercooked shellfish amid a hepatitis A outbreak investigation tied to imported blood clams distributed in New York.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health said the investigation involves fresh-frozen blood clams, also known as concha negra, imported from Ecuador and linked to an active investigation by the New York State Department of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
According to DPH, a limited number of Connecticut retailers received the same product.
“Our teams are working with local health officials to ensure that the product is not served to consumers at Connecticut establishments,” DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani said in a statement.
State officials said there is currently no confirmed link between the outbreak investigation and Connecticut-harvested shellfish.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection that can spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain and jaundice and may appear 15 to 50 days after exposure, according to DPH.
Health officials urged residents experiencing symptoms after consuming raw or undercooked shellfish to contact a healthcare provider.
DPH also encouraged residents to ask restaurants where shellfish is sourced and advised people who are pregnant, elderly, immunocompromised or have liver disease to consider avoiding raw shellfish.
The agency additionally urged residents to ensure they are vaccinated against hepatitis A.
"We are issuing this advisory out of an abundance of caution and a commitment to keeping our residents informed," Juthani said.
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