Salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters hits 22 states including Georgia

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 64 people across 22 states have been diagnosed with the same strain of Salmonella from eating raw oysters, including multiple cases in Georgia.

State and local public health officials are interviewing people about foods they ate in the week before becoming sick. Of the 27 people interviewed, 20 reported eating raw oysters, representing 74% of those questioned.

The CDC and Food and Drug Administration are working to determine if a common source of oysters can be identified. No recall has been announced at this time.

Prevention and symptoms

Health officials recommend cooking oysters before consuming to reduce the risk of food poisoning, as oysters can be contaminated with germs year-round. Hot sauce and lemon juice do not kill the germs, and germs are not visible on oysters.

Individuals may experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps six hours to six days after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment.

In some cases, the illness may be severe enough to require hospitalization. Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become severely sick. More information can be found on the official CDC website.

The CDC says people with questions about cases in a particular state should call that state’s health department. The Georgia Department of Health’s contact number is (404) 657-2700.