Multistate Norovirus Outbreak Linked To Texas Oysters Sickens More Than 200

An outbreak of norovirus illnesses has sickened more than 200 people and affected eight states so far. The outbreak has been linked to raw oysters from a certain harvest site in Texas.

A total of 211 illnesses have been reported in the multi-state norovirus outbreak as of Dec. 15, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The illnesses have been associated with the consumption of raw oysters that were harvested from harvest area TX1 in Galveston Bay, Texas. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has issued a recall on the oysters harvested from the area from Nov. 17 to Dec. 7 and closed it for harvest by Dec. 8 after receiving reports of the illnesses.

The DSHS has urged people who bought oysters from Texas since Nov. 17 to check the packaging to find out whether they came from TX1. If it's unclear, then it would be best to ask the seller to find out. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also advised consumers and restaurants about the issue.

"The oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in Alabama (AL), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Louisiana (LA), Mississippi (MS), North Carolina (NC), Tennessee (TN) and Texas (TX)," the FDA noted. "It is possible that additional states received these oysters through further distribution."

Norovirus is said to be a "very contagious" virus that can spread "easily and quickly," as per the CDC. People can contract it through various means such as having direct contact with someone who has it, eating contaminated food or touching contaminated surfaces then putting the unwashed hand in their mouth. It causes inflammation in the intestines or stomach.

"If eaten raw, oysters and other filter-feeding shellfish can contain viruses and bacteria that can cause illness or death," the CDC explained.

Symptoms of the virus may include vomiting, stomach pain, fever, diarrhea and nausea. Although most people tend to get better within one to three days, some may experience dehydration.

"If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day," the CDC added. "This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults and people with other illnesses."

Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, feeling dizzy when standing and lessened urination. Kids may also be "unusually sleepy or fussy" or have fewer or no tears when they cry, the CDC noted further. A health care provider should be contacted if someone sick appears to be dehydrated.

People are advised to avoid eating oysters from the potentially affected areas and to throw them out if they have some at home. Those who find that they have affected oysters should clean any areas that may have come in contact with the oysters and also wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

According to the FDA, norovirus-contaminated food tends to just "look, smell and taste normal." Cooking shellfish to "at least 145 degrees" before eating them is one of the key ways to avoid norovirus.