At least 80 people were infected with norovirus after eating raw oysters at an event held at the Hollywood Palladium celebrating the Los Angeles Times‘ list of the 101 best restaurants on December 3, LA County’s Department of Public Health confirmed to ABC News.
“At this time, over 80 attendees that consumed the oysters have reported illness,” a spokesperson with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a statement.
The oysters served at the event were identified as Fanny Bay Select and Fanny Bay XS oysters from Pacific Northwest Shellfish Co., according to the statement. The oysters were packed on Nov. 25 or later, with the recall notice issued on Dec. 13, the agency reported.
Following the recall, the US Food and Drug Administration issued multiple warning on Wednesday, December 18 to restaurants, retailers and consumers not to sell or eat the oysters in question due to possible norovirus contamination.
“Consumers should not eat these potentially contaminated oysters. Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care,” the FDA said in a press release.
The warning was issues for 15 states across the country from Hawaii, California and Arizona to Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York.
How oysters and clams contaminated with norovirus can harm
Oysters and clams contaminated with norovirus can make one ill, and even cause potentially severe illness in people with compromised immune systems. FDA says food containing norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal. People who develop symptoms after eating infected food should contact their healthcare provider.
What is norovirus
As per CDC, norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is also called the “stomach flu” or the “stomach bug.” The illness is not related to the flu, but it causes acute gastroenteritisan inflammation of the stomach or intestines.
Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days; but they can still spread the virus for a few days after.
Symptoms of Norovirus
Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever are some of the symptoms associated with norovirus.
As per FDA, a person normally develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.
Norovirus can cause trouble for young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include a decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.
(Picture courtesy: iStock)
