VANCOUVER Coastal Well being (VCH) is warning shoppers to take steps to guard their well being following a rise in instances of norovirus related to consumption of uncooked B.C. oysters. Since Monday, March 14, greater than 50 individuals have been affected with acute gastrointestinal sickness, resembling abdomen ache, diarrhea and vomiting, after consuming uncooked oysters.
Lab testing has confirmed the presence of norovirus in a few of the instances and it’s suspected in others. The BC Centre for Illness Management (BCCDC) issued a notice to eating places and retailers in B.C. to advise them of the danger.
Based mostly on an investigation by the BCCDC, native and federal businesses, and the shellfish trade, affected harvest areas are being closed and can reopen when contamination is cleared. Be taught extra about norovirus here. In-depth details about the way it contaminates the marine surroundings might be discovered here.
Learn how to cook dinner oysters
To kill norovirus and different germs, it is suggested to cook dinner oysters completely, to an inner temperature of 90 levels Celsius for 90 seconds earlier than consuming. Public well being recommends in opposition to consuming uncooked oysters. Keep away from cross-contamination of different meals throughout preparation and eat shellfish instantly after cooking.
Signs
Signs of norovirus embody nausea, cramping, chills, fever, vomiting and diarrhea, and normally happen 12-48 hours after consumption. In case you expertise these signs after consuming uncooked oysters, name BC HealthLink at 811. If signs are extreme or persist, search medical consideration.
Report your sickness
Oyster-related sickness must be reported to VCH for investigation by calling (604) 675-3800 or by e-mail to [email protected].
Be taught extra concerning the secure consumption of fish and shellfish at http://www.bccdc.ca/health-
