The most recent infection, Norovirus, involved New Orleans, and due to this, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is taking swift action to shut down Oyster Harvesting Area 3 and issue the recall for all oysters within the said harvesting area since January 10, 2025, upon receiving numerous reports that those who have eaten oysters have become infected.
Closure of oyster harvesting area 3
The area identified as the likely origin of contaminated oysters, Oyster Harvesting Area 3, east of Lake Borgne, north of Eloi Bay, including the Chandeleur Islands and surrounding marshes, has been closed by LDH as a precautionary measure to prevent further distribution and consumption of potentially contaminated shellfish.
Details of recall and affected products
This recall includes all oysters, regardless of form, harvested from Area 3 beginning January 10, 2025, inclusive of product harvested for the half-shell market. Consumers and businesses should be aware to check the origin of their oysters, to avoid consumption of product from this area on or after the stated time period.
Contaminated oysters
Between January 15 and January 31, 2025, fifteen people ate oysters originating from Area 3 at multiple restaurants in New Orleans and became ill with symptoms typical of norovirus. Most illnesses were not severe, although two people were hospitalized before being released. LDH encouraged the public to come forward so that other cases could be isolated.
Understanding Norovirus and how it spreads
Norovirus is an infectious virus causing gastroenteritis, possibly with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Symptoms of Norovirus illness usually begin 12 to 48 hours after a person has first been infected with the virus and last for one to three days. Contaminated foods or water and even direct person-to-person contact may cause an outbreak. Cooking kills the virus, but eating raw or partially cooked oysters from contaminated waters can be extremely dangerous.
Safety of oysters from other harvesting areas
LDH has been informed that oysters harvested from waters outside of Area 3 and all other Louisiana seafood products are safe to eat. Consumers are still encouraged to check the origin of their oysters to ensure they do not come from Area 3.
Prevention and public health recommendations
LDH is working with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to ensure enforcement of this closure and to prevent any additional harvest from Area 3 at this time. Precautions have been taken for at least a 21-day closure, where continued monitoring will be strictly Environmental. Members of the public are asked to follow the recall and avoid consuming oysters from this particular area. If you believe you have become sick from oysters, reach out to your local epidemiologist or make a report online with LDH.
