Recently, all oysters harvested in the San Antonio Bay area have been recalled due to illness caused by the Norovirus organism. All oysters harvested on or after November 16th have been recalled by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The hardest hit area sickened by the oysters were North and South Carolina, where more than 12 reports of Norovirus were issued to the United States FDA.
Norovirus, or “Norwalk-like viruses”, causes severe gastroenteritis in humans, and cannot be treated with antibiotics. The infection usually comes on very quickly, with the affected person becoming nauseous or vomiting, accompanied by diarrhea and stomach cramps. Fever may also be present, along with muscle aches, chills and a general feeling of malaise.
The recent outbreak that sickened people in the North and South Carolina areas due to oysters harvested in San Antonio Bay is being investigated by the FDA, CDC and state officials in an effort to determine where this Norovirus originated. All consumers who purchased oysters with packaging that indicates they came from this area are being urged by the FDA to discard them.
Norovirus usually lasts only a few days, and is not a serious threat to health, although it can be. Severe dehydration is a big risk with this form of food poisoning, and is most dangerous to the very young, elderly people and those with a compromised immune system. While Norovirus food poisoning is usually not fatal, in rare instances it can be.
Many people are unaware that they may be eligible for compensation if they become ill from foods that were eaten in restaurants, daycares or other public places. Additionally, food that is purchased in a store that is contaminated with Norovirus where it originated is cause for concern. When you are sickened by any foods due to the negligence of those who manufactured or prepared it, you may be compensated for medical costs and other expenses.
Norovirus is very contagious, and easily spread between people. Frequent hand washing and good hygienic practices should be a implemented to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others. When you become ill due to Norovirus and feel that you contracted the illness at a restaurant or through food you purchases, contact a reputable food poisoning attorney at once. Those responsible for your illness should be held accountable for any expenses related to your sickness.
