Imported Crab Meat May Have Sickened 9: Maryland Health Officials

BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland consumers are being warned not to eat fresh crab meat imported from Venezuela because of an infection risk. The Maryland Department of Health is investigating a cluster of Vibrio infections in people who reported eating “fresh” (non-pasteurized) crab meat — from a plastic tub — with a label indicating that it is imported from Venezuela.

The imported crab meat is sold under different brand names. Maryland crab product has not been associated with the illnesses.

The implicated foods have been prepared in both household and restaurant settings, and include a variety of dishes, such as crab cakes, seafood salad containing crab, and crab benedict.

Symptoms of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. At least nine cases who consumed imported crab meat have been confirmed in the state of Maryland. Two of the individuals were hospitalized; there have been no deaths.

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Vibrio infections can be caused by ingestion of Vibrio-containing water or shellfish and by direct skin exposure to Vibrio-containing salt or brackish water, including waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. However, none of the individuals have reported contact with water as a likely cause of illness.

Anyone who has recently eaten imported crab meat from Venezuela and is experiencing any symptoms of illness should consult their primary care provider.

Contact your health care provider for any diarrheal illness that is accompanied by:

• High fever (temperature over 101.5 F, measured by mouth)
• Blood in the stools
• Prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (because this can lead to dehydration)
• Signs of dehydration, including a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up
• Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days

State health officials continues to investigate the illnesses. Consumers should refrain from eating these non-pasteurized imported products until further notice.

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