WA Expands Oyster Warning Amid Norovirus Outbreak

WASHINGTON — State health officials have broadened a warning against eating certain oysters harvested in British Columbia amid a multi-state norovirus outbreak linked to the contaminated shellfish.

King County flagged Washington's first illnesses connected to the outbreak in late March, and the state Department of Health confirmed several others over the weekend. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said this week nearly 100 illnesses linked to oysters were reported across 13 states and issued a broad advisory Monday.

Washington health officials said residents should avoid serving or eating all oysters harvested from the south and central areas of Baynes Sound, British Columbia, until further notice.

"Individuals who order oysters from a restaurant or retailer should verify the oyster source to ensure they were not harvested in British Columbia harvest areas BC 14-8 or 14-15," DOH wrote Tuesday. "Retailers are being asked to stop selling the oysters."

Norovirus is the scientific name for the bouts of vomiting and diarrhea that many times will sicken entire households before running their course. Outbreaks were nearly nonexistent at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to federal health data, and experts believe it’s because Americans largely stayed away from the places where norovirus spreads.

But with the easing of coronavirus restrictions came an uptick in cases of norovirus, an aggressive virus that can easily contaminate food and water. It takes only a few of the billions of microscopic norovirus particles to make a person sick.

The virus can be spread a number of ways, including through vomit and feces particles that may remain on a person’s hands or on surfaces during food preparation. It also can come from contaminated water that is used for irrigation of fruit and vegetable crops — or if food, such as oysters, is harvested in contaminated water.

Even outside of an outbreak, Washington health officials recommend against consuming any raw oysters and other shellfish, as they carry a high risk for foodborne illness. While cases are unpleasant but generally mild, people who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or have chronic health conditions can be at risk for severe symptoms.

The virus readily infects others, and officials say the best thing that households with a suspected illness can do is take some defensive measures.

"To prevent others from getting sick always wash hands carefully with soap and warm water after using the bathroom or changing diapers," DOH officials wrote. "Use soap and water to clean toilets or other areas that may be soiled with stool or vomit. Hard surfaces can be disinfected with 1/3 cup household bleach mixed with one gallon of water – always wear gloves when handling bleach-based cleaners. Wash soiled clothing and bedding in hot water and detergent. Soft surfaces that cannot be laundered can be steam cleaned."