Recall Check: Oysters from Washington’s Samish Bay Recalled Due to Vibrio Outbreak

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Washington State has issued a recall of live oysters from the Samish Bay area after numerous cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus illnesses were reported and traced back to the oysters from the area.

The state issued the oysters recall notice on July 16, when there had been 52 lab-confirmed cases, of which 46 were foodborne Vibrio parahaemolyticus cases, Food Safety News reports.

The vibrio outbreak is the worst on record for the month of July, with the next highest number of 25 reported in 2018.

Vibrio bacteria live in coastal waters and increase in number when water temperatures get warmer. The most commonly reported species, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, is estimated to sicken about 45,000 people in the United States each year. 

Vibrio infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. The illness usually lasts about three days. However, people with chronic liver disease, diabetes, or AIDS, or compromised immune systems, should see their doctor if they suspect they have vibriosis.

To avoid the virus, the state’s Health Department recommends eating only thoroughly cooked shellfish.

The harvest dates for the affected oysters are between June 29 and July 16. Distribution details are incomplete, but it is known that oysters went to Asian and Canadian buyers as well as customers in the United States.

The growing area will be closed for a minimum of 21 days as of July 17, but the closure can be extended if sampling results warrant an extension.

The Health Department said that it was investigating pending cases that are beginning to come in from other states, given the outbreak included the July 4th holiday when a lot of travel occurs. The department said it cannot confirm if anyone has been hospitalized.

Due to high levels of Vibrio in the water, health experts expect to see more cases of the infection as temperatures rise through the summer, Food Safety New reports.

Consumers who have fresh oysters from Samish Bay are encouraged to fully cook the shellfish prior to eating to reduce the risk of illness.

Do you eat fresh oysters? Let us know how you feel about this recall in the comments section!

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