Shellfish Illnesses Likely During Heatwave: Health Officials

OLYMPIA, WA - There's almost nothing more satisfying than plucking a Hood Canal oyster off the beach, popping it open, and slurping it down. But doing that during this week's heat wave is ill-advised, according to state health officials.

The state Department of Health is warning that this week's heat and extreme low tides (nearly 3 feet Friday through Sunday, coinciding with the full moon, according to NOAA) contribute to shellfish-born illnesses. Vibriosis is the most common shellfish-related illness because it thrives in warm water.

If you want to avoid getting sick, there are a couple of tips you can follow. The state calls them the "three Cs" - check, chill, and cook. Here's more from the state Department of Health:

• Check the DOH Shellfish Safety Map before heading to the beach to determine if any areas are closed. Shellfish gathered from open and approved areas should be harvested as the tide goes out.
• Chill quickly. Bring a cooler with ice with you. Oysters should be put on ice or refrigerated as soon as possible after being collected.
• Cook at 145° F for 15 seconds to destroy Vibrio bacteria.

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