Second norovirus outbreak in four months caused by imported oysters
SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI) – Eleven confirmed cases of norovirus in San Diego County were recently linked to frozen oysters at the 100s Seafood Grill Buffet in Mission Valley, according to county health officials.
“The concern is always that you’re at risk for dehydration especially people who are specialized populations such as young children or the elderly,” said Dr. Seema Shah, Medical Director of the County of San Diego’s Epidemiology & Immunization Services Branch.
The contaminated frozen oysters were imported from South Korea and norovirus was found in people who consumed the oysters between March 31 and April 1.
“We don’t know the extent to which these oysters have been distributed. We’re still working with the California Department of Public Health and the FDA to understand where this has all been distributed,” Dr. Shah said.
This outbreak comes just four months after 41 confirmed norovirus cases in San Diego County were linked to raw oysters imported from northwest Mexico.
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The consumption of raw oysters has long been associated with the risk of contracting norovirus, but Dr. Shah says the exact cause of the contamination of these frozen oysters from South Korea can’t be determined.
“It would be presumptive, so we really don’t know why that’s occurring,” Dr. Shah said.
But research could soon give more information about how pollution impacts the marine food chain.
The University of California, San Diego was awarded more than $7 million in funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health to study the impact of climate change on marine contaminants and to ensure safe sea food is accessible to all.
According to the university, the research team will study the sources and potential toxicity of human-made and natural chemicals in the ocean and their impact on the marine food chain.
The funding will also reestablish the Scripps Center for Oceans and Human Health, making it one of four new centers focused on the ocean and great lakes impact on people’s health.
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