Seafood Recalled Nationwide Over Possible Norovirus Contamination—What to Know

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising restaurants, food retailers, and consumers across nine states not to serve, sell, or eat certain raw oysters and clams because they may be contaminated with norovirus, a contagious virus that can cause the "stomach flu."

The raw oysters, which were harvested by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, were distributed to consumers in Washington. The recalled clams were harvested by the Lummi Indian Business Council and distributed to restaurants and food retailers in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Washington. The FDA warns that other states may have also received the clams.

Both products were harvested between February 13 and March 3 in Drayton Harbor, Washington.

The Washington Department of Health notified the FDA of a possible norovirus outbreak. Four people became ill with norovirus-like symptoms linked to raw oysters from Drayton Harbor, Dani Toepelt, Washington State Department of Health's shellfish licensing and certification section manager, told local Seattle broadcaster KING-TV.

The agency warns that food containing norovirus may "look, smell, and taste normal" but it can cause serious illness if consumed, especially by people with compromised immune systems.

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Common norovirus symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Other symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches. It typically takes 12 to 48 hours to start developing symptoms after being exposed to norovirus and up to three days to recover.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and report your symptoms to your local health department, the FDA advises.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated food, water, and objects.

A norovirus illness can also lead to severe dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Symptoms include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up, crying with few or no tears, and unusual sleepiness or fussiness.

Restaurants and retailers should dispose of the potentially contaminated oysters and clams and consumers should avoid eating them.