Recently, health authorities have issued a recall for oysters harvested from a specific area in Louisiana, citing potential contamination with norovirus. This recall affects several states, including Georgia.
Which oysters are being recalled?
The recall targets oysters harvested from Louisiana’s Oyster Harvesting Area 3 between January 10 and February 4, 2025. This area is located east of Lake Borgne, north of Eloi Bay, and includes the Chandeleur Islands and surrounding marshes. The recall encompasses all forms of oysters from this region, including:
- Shucked
- Frozen
- Breaded
- Post-harvest processed
- Half-shell
These oysters were distributed to multiple states, such as Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas, and possibly others.
What is norovirus and how does it affect you?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that leads to gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms typically begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramping
- Low-grade fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- General sense of tiredness
While the illness is usually brief, lasting a day or two, it can be more severe in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
How can you protect yourself?
To protect yourself, here are a few suggestions:
- Avoid eating oysters that have been recalled: Do not consume oysters harvested from Area 3 in Louisiana during the specified period.
- Exercise proper hand-washing techniques: Wash hands properly under warm, running water with soap after using the restroom and before eating or preparing food.
- Cook shellfish properly: Cooking can destroy norovirus; do not eat raw or undercooked oysters.
- Clean and disinfect your surfaces: In the event of vomiting or diarrhea, clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately with a commercial bleach disinfectant.
- Wash your produce: Rinse all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
If you have any symptoms after eating an oyster, you should seek medical care promptly. Inform the attending physicians of your recent oyster consumption and report your illness to local health officials.
Read more: My Mochi Peach Mango Sorbet recall due to undeclared allergen – Review recalled lots
What actions are being taken by health authorities?
According to reported cases, the LA Health Department has closed the section of oyster harvesting Area 3 and has put into place a hold on all oysters harvested there since January 10, 2025. The closure is intended to last at least 21 days. Health officials will investigate and do some environmental monitoring for safety in oyster waters before reopening. To ensure that you and your family are protected, stay updated and adhere to the policies mentioned.
