For immediate release: August 3, 2007 (07-131)

Contacts:
Frank Cox, Office of Shellfish Protection 360-236-3309
Jeff Smith, Communications Office 360-236-4072

OLYMPIA ¾ Oysters harvested from Hood Canal have been connected to six cases of vibriosis in California resulting in the closure of two growing areas at the southern tip of the canal.

The Department of Health has closed shellfish beaches in Mason County from Miller Creek (north of Hoodsport) south and east to Sunset Beach and across to Stimson Creek. The closed areas include both Potlatch and Twanoh state parks.

In addition, the department is asking the shellfish industry to recall oysters from these growing areas. Consumers who may have purchased oysters from these areas should check with the place of purchase to see if they were harvested from the affected growing areas.

Vibriosis is caused by a naturally occurring bacterium, Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, and chills and usually appear about 12 hours after eating infected shellfish. 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. Unseasonably warm temperatures and afternoon low tides are thought to be major contributors to this outbreak.

The best way to prevent this illness is to cook your oysters during the warm summer months. The bacteria are killed when oysters are cooked to 145° F.

The only way to be safe is to "Know Before You Dig." The Department of Health recreational shellfish map Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/biotoxinmaps.htm), state shellfish program (360-236-3330), and local health agencies are excellent sources of information.

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