(Santa Ana) - Orange County health officials are warning consumers not to eat raw or undercooked oysters harvested from the southern part of the Hood Canal in Washington State after a number of human illnesses caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a harmful bacteria, occurred in people who ate the oysters.

At least fourteen confirmed or suspected Vibrio parahaemolyticus cases have been reported in California involving people who ate oysters, including three cases in Orange County. The Orange County cases were all adults who have recovered from their illnesses and did not require hospitalization. No deaths have been reported in California as a result of these illnesses.

“Consumers should thoroughly cook raw oysters from any source before eating them in order to reduce the risk of illness,” said Dr. Eric Handler, Orange County Health Officer. The California Department of Public Health recommends that oysters be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145° F in order to destroy the bacteria. This can be done by boiling the oysters until the shells open and allowing them to continue to boil for an additional three to five minutes.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus can cause symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, fever and chills. Symptoms may begin within hours to a few days after eating raw or undercooked contaminated shellfish, particularly oysters, and most people recover in a few days without treatment. More severe cases may require medical treatment, which may include hospitalization. Children and persons with compromised immune systems or chronic liver disease should avoid eating raw or undercooked oysters from any source.

The Washington State Department of Health has recalled oysters harvested in the southern part of the Hood Canal from July 3 through August 3. However, some of the recalled oysters had previously been distributed in California. Orange County Health Care Agency Environmental Health inspectors are checking local food facilities for the oysters. Consumers and retailers should contact their place of purchase or shellfish supplier if they have questions about the source of oysters they may have purchased or whether they are part of the recall.

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