You might want to skip on buck-a-shuck night, the BC Centre for Disease Control says more than 70 people have become ill from eating oysters that may have been raw or improperly cooked in homes or restaurants.

 

Since early December, over 70 cases of oyster related illness have been reported to the BCCDC and this has cause them to issue a warning associated with eating oysters.

The centre says the outbreak has occurred in various parts of the province and more cases are expected.

Dr. Eleni Galanis, an epidemiologist at the centre, says testing in several cases confirmed the presence of norovirus, and the illness is suspected in the other cases..

Galanis says in a release that eating oysters during the summer is linked to a higher risk of illness from naturally occurring bacteria, but other microorganisms such as norovirus can be present all year.

If you do plan on preparing oysters at home, the best way to avoid illness is to ensure the oysters are cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 90°C for 90 seconds.

Anyone who becomes sick with diarrhea and vomiting after eating oysters is advised to call BC HealthLink at 811, and people with severe or persistent symptoms should see a doctor.

 

Filed under: CDC, Food safety warning, Oyster