WASHINGTON, Mar 23, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration is warning people to avoid eating oysters recently harvested near
Pass Christian, Miss.
The FDA said nearly a dozen illnesses have been linked to raw oysters from the
Mississippi Sound portion of the Gulf of Mexico near Pass Christian. The
location is known as Area 2C.
"Consumers who are uncertain about the origin of oysters they currently have
should contact the place of purchase to determine if the oysters are from the
affected area as the agency investigates an outbreak of norovirus illnesses
associated with the oysters," the FDA said.
Norovirus is a foodborne pathogen that can cause acute gastroenteritis in
humans.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources closed Area 2C to oyster
harvesting March 17 after the outbreak was reported. FDA officials said they
were working with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources to investigate
potential sources of pollution that may have caused the area to become
contaminated.
The FDA said people with weakened immune systems, including those affected by
AIDS; chronic alcohol abuse; liver, stomach or blood disorders; cancer;
diabetes; or kidney disease should avoid eating any raw oysters, regardless of
where the oysters are harvested.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International