Washington health officials warn of spike in shellfish-related illness following heat wave
Now might be a good time to skip the platters of raw oysters: Washington health officials are warning of a spike in shellfish-related illnesses believed to be connected to last month's heat wave.
The Washington Department of Health (DOH) has reported 52 cases of vibriosis so far in July, surpassing the highest number of cases ever recorded for the month. Of those cases, 26 were contracted from commercial oysters and four were harvested recreationally. Symptoms of vibriosis usually appear about 12-24 hours after consumption and include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever and chills.
The bacteria that causes the illness, vibrio, is found in small amounts in coastal waters, but multiplies rapidly in warmer conditions. Fish and shellfish are more likely to be contaminated with the bacteria in the summer months, and midday low tides during the hot weather likely accelerated the growth.
"Another effect of the recent heat wave is the perfect storm of conditions for Vibrio infections. Its important that when enjoying shellfish, we follow simple steps to stay healthy," Director of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety Todd Phillips said in a news release.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/washington-health-officials-warn-of-spike-in-shellfish-related-illness-following-heat-wave/ar-AAMkSzt