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Oysters

All articles tagged with #oysters

Eight US Deaths Linked to Oyster-Related Flesh-Eating Bacteria
world10 days ago

Eight US Deaths Linked to Oyster-Related Flesh-Eating Bacteria

Eight people have died in the United States this year from vibriosis caused by Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium linked to oysters and warm Gulf Coast waters. The latest fatality occurred in Bay County, Florida, as Florida and Louisiana report multiple cases. Health officials warn that infections can be severe, especially for those with underlying health conditions, and advise avoiding raw shellfish and protecting wounds from seawater.

US records eighth Vibrio death tied to Gulf oyster exposure
health10 days ago

US records eighth Vibrio death tied to Gulf oyster exposure

Eight people have died in the United States this year from Vibrio vulnificus infections linked to seawater exposure and oyster consumption, with Florida and Louisiana reporting multiple deaths and nearly 30 Gulf Coast cases overall. The risk is highest for those with underlying conditions or compromised immune systems; warnings include avoiding raw shellfish and protecting wounds from warm coastal waters.

Gulf Coast Sees Surge in Flesh-Eating Vibrio Infections Across Florida and Louisiana
health18 days ago

Gulf Coast Sees Surge in Flesh-Eating Vibrio Infections Across Florida and Louisiana

More than two dozen Vibrio vulnificus cases have been reported in Gulf Coast states this year, including 15 in Florida and 10 in Louisiana, with seven deaths. The bacteria thrive in warm coastal waters and can infect via open wounds or by eating raw seafood like oysters, with infections sometimes requiring intensive care or amputation. Prevention focuses on avoiding exposure of wounds to salt or brackish water, not consuming raw seafood, and practicing proper wound care.

Florida reports another Vibrio death as cases rise in 2026
health25 days ago

Florida reports another Vibrio death as cases rise in 2026

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 records second Vibrio vulnificus death as oyster and seawater risks persist
health29 days ago

Florida records second Vibrio vulnificus death as oyster and seawater risks persist

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.

Florida logs 1 death and 12 Vibrio infections in 2026 linked to shellfish and seawater
health1 month ago

Florida logs 1 death and 12 Vibrio infections in 2026 linked to shellfish and seawater

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.

Norovirus Recall Targets Oysters and Clams in the Pacific Northwest
health5 months ago

Norovirus Recall Targets Oysters and Clams in the Pacific Northwest

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.

FDA recalls oysters and clams over possible norovirus contamination across nine states
food-and-drink5 months ago

FDA recalls oysters and clams over possible norovirus contamination across nine states

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.

Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Oysters Raises Health Concerns
health8 months ago

Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Oysters Raises Health Concerns

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.