FDA warns about some Hood Canal oysters

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the warning Friday after at least six people in California and Washington came down with an illness caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria. Additional reports of illness are being investigated, the FDA said in a release.

The outbreak is linked to raw oysters harvested from "growing area 6" in Hood Canal since July 3.

Records indicate that raw oysters from the area were distributed to California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, New York, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.

The Washington state Department of Health has closed the growing area and asked commercial oyster harvesters and dealers to issue a recall.

Symptoms of vibriosis include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. The symptoms generally occur within 24 hours of exposure and last no more than three days.

The FDA said anyone who may have experienced these symptoms after consuming raw oysters should consult a health care provider and contact the local health department.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International