All articles tagged with #oysters
Florida has recorded its fourth death from Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium linked to raw oysters, bringing the state’s 2026 case count to 21. The latest fatality occurred in Broward County, joining deaths in Bay, Palm Beach, and Marion counties. Health officials warn that the bacteria, found in warm coastal waters, can be fatal in 50% of bloodstream infections, particularly for those with underlying health conditions.
A new death brings the 2026 US total for Vibrio vulnificus infections to eight, with cases linked to oyster consumption. The CDC warns the bacteria, which thrives in warm coastal waters, carries a high mortality rate and can cause severe tissue damage.
A Marion County resident died after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, Florida’s second death in 2026 and part of 14 confirmed cases this year. The bacterium thrives in warm coastal and brackish waters and can infect via eating raw or undercooked shellfish (especially oysters) or through open wounds exposed to contaminated water, potentially causing septic shock or skin lesions. Health officials advise avoiding raw shellfish, cooking seafood thoroughly, and keeping wounds away from coastal or floodwater, seeking medical care promptly if infection signs appear.
Florida health officials have confirmed the state's second death from the flesh-eating bacterium Vibrio vulnificus in Marion County, part of 14 additional Florida cases this year. Vibrio infections are rare but can be deadly and thrive in warm coastal and brackish waters. Infections can occur when open wounds contact seawater or by eating contaminated raw shellfish, especially oysters; symptoms can range from GI symptoms to severe wound infections and sepsis, with higher risk for people with liver disease, diabetes, or immune suppression. To reduce risk, avoid raw oysters, cook shellfish thoroughly, prevent cross‑contamination, cover wounds when near coastal water, wear gloves handling shellfish, and be especially cautious after coastal floods or storms.
The Florida Department of Health reports one death (an 80–84-year-old in Palm Beach County) and 12 additional Vibrio vulnificus infections statewide so far this year, including cases in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties and others in Bay, Hillsborough, Lee, Marion, Okaloosa, Polk and St. Johns. Risk factors include eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, and swimming with open wounds; those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Last year recorded 5 deaths and 33 cases.
Restaurant workers say raw oysters carry real illness risks with no reliable way to detect infection; health authorities like the CDC advise cooking oysters thoroughly to reduce risks from Vibrio, norovirus, hepatitis A, and other pathogens, meaning diners should favor cooked preparations over raw servings.
FDA warns consumers and restaurants about oysters and clams potentially contaminated with norovirus from Washington harvesters, triggering a recall of product shipped to multiple states including Oregon and Washington; affected seafood should be discarded and strict hygiene measures used to prevent cross‑contamination, as norovirus symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration) typically appear 12–48 hours after exposure. Investigators are tracing lots from Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and Lummi Indian Business Council.
The FDA issued a recall for Washington-harvested oysters and clams possibly contaminated with norovirus, warning consumers and restaurants to avoid using the products; the seafood had been shipped to multiple states and investigators are assessing the scope while advising those exposed to seek medical care and report symptoms to the FDA.
Federal officials announced a recall of raw oysters from Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and Manila clams from Lummi Indian Business Council sold in at least nine states due to potential norovirus contamination. Oysters were distributed to consumers in Washington, while clams were sent to restaurants and retailers in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Oregon and Washington. The FDA warns norovirus can look and taste normal but cause illness, with symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting; high-risk individuals should avoid consumption. Harvest dates were February 13–March 3 in Drayton Harbor, Washington.
A multistate salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters has sickened over 60 people across 22 states. Health officials advise avoiding raw oysters, especially for vulnerable groups, and emphasize proper cooking and handling practices to reduce infection risks. Salmonella can cause gastrointestinal illness with symptoms like diarrhea and fever, and cooking oysters thoroughly is the best way to kill bacteria. People should stay informed about recalls and advisories, and practice good hygiene to prevent illness from seafood and other high-risk foods.
Multiple seafood thefts, including 40,000 oysters, $400,000 worth of lobster, and crabmeat, occurred in New England within weeks, involving sophisticated theft methods like impersonation and phishing, ultimately impacting consumers and small businesses.
Multiple seafood thefts, including $400,000 worth of lobster, oysters, and crab, occurred in New England, involving sophisticated theft methods like impersonation and fraud, impacting local businesses and consumers.
Two deaths in Louisiana have been linked to Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria contracted from eating raw oysters and exposure to warm coastal waters, with the state experiencing a higher number of cases and fatalities this year, highlighting the risks associated with raw seafood consumption and open wounds in seawater.
Two more deaths and an increase in Vibrio vulnificus infections in Louisiana highlight the rising danger of consuming tainted oysters, with a record number of cases this year, prompting health officials to urge caution.
The Hama Hama Oyster Saloon in Washington, accessible only after a scenic drive through natural landscapes, offers a rugged, farm-to-table oyster experience with a focus on sustainability and connection to the source, contrasting with more polished city oyster bars.