For immediate release: August 22, 2007 (07-143)

Contacts:
Jessie DeLoach, Office of Shellfish and Water Protection 360-236-3302
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022

OLYMPIA ¾ Several new cases of vibriosis have led state health officials to close a second oyster growing area on Hood Canal. The Department of Health closed one other growing area on Hood Canal early in August because of vibriosis.

The state has closed commercial harvesting on additional Hood Canal beaches from the Hamma Hamma River south to Sisters Point near Tahuya. The shellfish program recommends recreational harvesters check the Shellfish Safety Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.htm) or call the hotline at 1-800-562-5632 before harvesting.

The department is working with the shellfish industry to recall oysters from the affected area. People who have purchased oysters recently should check with the place of purchase to see if they were harvested from the affected growing areas.

Vibriosis is caused by a natural bacterium, Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever and chills. These symptoms 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 lowered immunity or chronic liver disease. The best way to prevent this illness is to cook oysters during the warm summer months. The bacteria are killed when oysters are cooked to 145° F.

The best way to be sure shellfish are safe is to "Know Before You Dig." The Department of Health Shellfish Safety Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.htm) and the Shellfish Safety Hotline (1-800-562-5632) are excellent sources of information.

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