URGENT UPDATE: A shocking salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters has now sickened 64 people across 22 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This alarming development has led to 20 hospitalizations as of December 23, raising serious health concerns nationwide.
Public health officials are in a race against time to identify a common source of the contaminated oysters. They are actively interviewing individuals who fell ill, with a staggering 20 out of 27 sick individuals reporting consumption of raw oysters before their illnesses began.
The outbreak, which has been ongoing since June 21 and continued until November 28, has seen the highest number of reported cases in Pennsylvania, with 10 cases confirmed. Close behind are New York and Virginia, reporting 7 and 6 cases respectively. Notably, the hospitalization rate in this outbreak is significantly higher than what is typically observed in salmonella cases linked to oysters, highlighting the severity of this situation.
While no deaths have been reported, health officials caution that salmonella can cause serious illness. Symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically manifest within 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Most individuals recover without treatment within 4 to 7 days.
The CDC emphasizes that raw oysters should be thoroughly cooked before consumption to mitigate the risk of foodborne illness. It is also important to note that popular condiments like hot sauce and lemon juice do not effectively eliminate harmful bacteria in raw shellfish, meaning even seemingly fresh oysters can harbor salmonella or other dangerous pathogens.
As authorities continue to investigate the outbreak, no recalls have been announced regarding the implicated oysters. Consumers are urged to exercise caution when consuming raw shellfish and remain vigilant about the latest health advisories.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops, and prioritize your health and safety when choosing seafood.