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FDA: Avoid potentially contaminated raw oysters from Canada

A woman died after contracting vibriosis after consuming raw oysters during a trip with family and friends. (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for the New York Culinary Experience)

Working with federal, state, and local officials, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that potentially contaminated raw oysters, linked to a norovirus outbreak, were distributed to Washington, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York.

An announcement from the FDA says the potentially contaminated ray oysters were harvested in the south and central parts of Baynes Sound, British Columbia, Canada. Baynes Sound is the channel between Denman Island and Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

The FDA and the states are conducting, "a traceforward investigation to determine where the raw oysters were distributed and ensure they’re removed from the food supply," according to a news release.

People infected with norovirus are known to develop diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Most people infected with norovirus develop symptoms 12 to 48 hours after infection.

According to the FDA, "Anyone who consumes raw shellfish is at risk of contracting Norovirus. Children younger than five, the elderly, and those people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections."

The FDA has more information on instructions for restaurants, retailers and consumers on their website. Click here for more information.

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