Raw oysters linked to jump in ‘norovirus-like’ illness in southern B.C.

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) says several dozen cases of gastrointestinal illness linked to the consumption of raw oysters have been reported in the past couple months.

Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 18, the centre says it has received 64 reports of “norovirus-like” illness in the Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, and Island Health regions.

“Those affected have reported symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, and/or stomach pain after eating raw oysters from restaurants and retail locations,” the BCCDC said.

Norovirus-contaminated food can look, smell, and taste normal, and oysters should be cooked thoroughly it says to kill viruses and bacteria, according to the agency.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada says oyster harvesting in Deep Bay, Baynes Sound, and other areas in that region is now prohibited after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency also received multiple reports of illness.

Most cases of norovirus are mild and pass in a few days, the BCCDC says, but some cases may be more concerning.

“It can be more severe in older people and in individuals whose immune system is not completely normal, and it’s certainly something that we need to keep an eye on going forward,” said Dr. Brian Conway, the medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre.

“If you are a bit older, immunocompromised, probably something I would avoid right now while this situation gets cleared up.”

Although many of those who reported the illness went to emergency departments, there are no reports of any of them being admitted into the hospital, the BCCDC says.

With files from Michael Williams.