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For immediate release: July 28, 2006     (06-118)

Contacts: Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076
                  Jeff Smith, Communications Office 360-236-4072

Recall issued for oysters harvested from Hood Canal and south Puget Sound

OLYMPIA ¾ The state Department of Health has issued a recall for oysters in the shell harvested after July 13 from closed growing areas in Hood Canal and south Puget Sound. The closures coincide with more than 70 reported cases of vibriosis, an illness caused by eating raw oysters contaminated with elevated levels of the naturally occurring marine water bacteria, Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

The recall is a precautionary action to assure that no oysters in the shell from the closed areas remain on the market. The agency’s shellfish program is working closely with the shellfish growing industry to manage the situation. Additional time and temperature controls at harvest have also been issued for all growing areas in the state through Oct. 1.

“Most of the oysters in the shell currently on the market are from open, approved areas that are not involved in these closures or this recall,” said Nancy Napolilli, Office Director, Food Safety and Shellfish. “Oysters currently on the market should be safe to eat, provided that they are kept refrigerated or iced after purchase and are thoroughly cooked to 145° F.”

Robin Downey, Executive Director, Pacific Shellfish Growers Association, reports that they are contacting members in Hood Canal and south Puget Sound that have not been closed due to the illnesses and urging them to avoid harvest of oysters for the raw market industry due to the unseasonably warm weather and ongoing outbreak. The association is also sharing innovative harvest practices that have shown effectiveness in reducing levels of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

 “These are very proactive measures on the part of industry,” Napolilli said.

Commercial harvest closures have been established for Hood Canal from Sunset Beach in the eastern arm of lower Hood Canal to Point Whitney in the north, except for Annas Bay. Eld and Totten Inlets in south Puget Sound are also closed. A few commercial companies are harvesting oysters from these areas that will be shucked, packed and labeled “for cooking only.” Willapa Bay and other growing areas in the state have not been associated to date with illnesses reported this summer and are not included in the closures.

Corresponding recreational closures include all of Hood Canal in Mason County; from the Mason County line to one mile north of Hood Point in Kitsap County; and from the Mason County line north to Seal Rock in Jefferson County.

Typically, our state averages about 20 reported cases of vibriosis per year. This year, there have been more than 70 cases reported — most of them since the first of July. Warm summer temperatures and afternoon low tides are likely contributing to these higher than normal numbers.

Symptoms of vibriosis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, and chills. The symptoms usually appear about 12 hours after eating infected shellfish but can begin within two hours or as late as 48 hours after consumption. The illness is usually mild to moderate and lasts for two to seven days; it can be life threatening to people with immune dysfunction or chronic liver disease.

Updates to harvesting area closures can be found in the “In the News” section of the agency’s Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/).

The agency Biotoxin Web site (http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/biotoxin.htm) and the biotoxin hotline — 1-800-562-5632 — provide notification of growing area and recreational beach closures. Harvesters should also look for and obey warning signs that have been posted at marinas and recreational beaches.

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