Seattle Food Poisoning Outbreak Linked To Oyster Event

SEATTLE, WA - At least 10 people were sickened with food poisoning after eating at Oyster New Year 2017, an annual celebration of peak oyster season. Although it has not been confirmed, King County environmental health investigators suspect norovirus caused the illnesses.

King County found out about the illnesses between Nov 13 and Nov. 15. An inspection of Elliott's Oyster House, the restaurant that hosts the event, did not turn up any norovirus risk factors. Investigators suspect oysters are the culprit, but the state Department of Health is still investigating the locations where the oysters were harvested.

Health investigators are planning a return visit to Elliott's Oyster House to reinspect. One of the most common types of food poisoning, norovirus causes vomiting, diarrhea, chills, dehydration. It spreads easily through person-to-person contact. Oysters are a common source of norovirus, according to King County, because they are the shellfish most commonly eaten raw.

Oyster New Year happens annually on the pier behind Elliott's Oyster House and features 30 types of oysters and other seafood. For $175, attendees can eat as many oysters as they can handle.

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