OLYMPIA — The state Department of Health has issued a recall for oysters harvested from Hammersley Inlet in Mason County since March 15 and closed some areas to harvesting.
Following reports of norovirus-like illnesses in people who had eaten raw oysters, small harvest closures and recalls have been ordered, the largest of which is in Hammersley Inlet. Smaller portions of the shellfish harvesting area were closed and shellfish recalled March 2, April 4 and April 5.
The 3-mile stretch of commercial shellfish growing beds is about two-thirds of the Hammersley Inlet growing area and is harvested by 31 shellfish companies, the state said.
Shellfish harvested from the area are typically shipped to many states and countries. Shellfish growers and the Department of Health are working with local health jurisdictions and other states to track down all harvested product to ensure it is not available to be consumed, the state said.
“This issue underscores the importance of protecting our marine water, especially in areas where shellfish are grown,” the state said.
Norovirus is a common stomach virus that spreads easily. It can be transmitted through contaminated food or surfaces and person-to-person contact.
The source of norovirus is people — specifically, the feces and vomit of infected individuals. The virus can be present in marine water indirectly through boat discharges, failing septic systems, malfunctioning wastewater treatment plants or directly from an infected person.
Symptoms include watery diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. Most people get better within two days. Dehydration can be a problem among some people, especially the very young, the elderly and people with other illnesses. For those consumers concerned about the increased risk of illness, ordering and eating cooked shellfish is an effective way to prevent norovirus illness.
