Nisha Pandey

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Raw Oysters Can Look Fresh And Still Make You Sick: Latest Salmonella Outbreak Leaves 27 Sick, 5 Hospitalised

Raw Oysters Can Look Fresh And Still Make You Sick: Latest Salmonella Outbreak Leaves 27 Sick

Raw oysters from a single company have been linked to a <span>Salmonella</span> outbreak across multiple states in the US. At least 27 people have been sickened in 12 states and five hospitalised, according to the <span>US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</span> (<span>CDC</span>). No deaths have been reported so far.

The outbreak has been pinned down to oysters harvested by <span>Little Wicomico Oyster Company</span> from the Little Wicomico River in Virginia. The company voluntarily recalled oysters harvested between September 18 and October 8, 2026. The river was temporarily closed to shellfish harvesting.

Pennsylvania has reported eight infections, becoming the state with the highest number of cases currently, followed by New York with four and Virginia with three. The recalled oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in 16 states and Washington, DC, and may have reached other locations.

<h2>Oysters That Appear Fresh Can Still Make You Sick</h2>

Contaminated shellfish may not always show signs of spoilage. Therefore, the <span>US Food and Drug Administration</span> (<span>FDA</span>) warns - “Food containing <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/after-488-sickened-65-hospitalised-in-salmonella-outbreak-fda-issues-highest-risk-recall-for-salad-dressing-article-156274329" data-type="tilCustomLink">Salmonella</a> may look, smell, and taste normal.”

Oysters can become contaminated with harmful bacteria in the environment where they grow. Eating them raw or undercooked means the bacteria may survive and cause infection. Their appearance, smell and taste cannot reliably establish whether they are safe to eat.

The CDC's investigation found that 10 of the 13 people interviewed about their food exposure had eaten raw oysters before becoming ill. Investigators also found that the oysters eaten by several affected people shared a common source, supporting the link to the Virginia harvest area.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/fda-expands-recall-of-frozen-berries-after-e-coli-outbreak-left-17-sick-article-156287937" data-type="tilCustomLink">FDA Expands Recall Of Frozen Berries After E. Coli Outbreak Left 17 Sick</a>

<h2>Symptoms Of Salmonella Infection</h2>

<ul><li><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/fda-links-lettuce-to-cyclospora-outbreak-that-infected-almost-13000-heres-why-mexico-disputes-it-article-156274822" data-type="tilCustomLink">Diarrhoea</a></li><li>Fever</li><li>Abdominal cramps</li><li>Nausea and vomiting </li></ul>

Symptoms usually begin within six hours to six days after the bacteria enters your body. Many people recover within four to seven days without treatment, but some may develop severe illness and need medical care. 

It can become serious in young children, older adults aged 65 and above and people with weak immune systems. The bacteria can occasionally enter the bloodstream and cause more severe infections.

The CDC has warned that the actual number of infections may be higher than reported because some people recover without seeking medical care or getting tested.

Also read: Daily <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/daily-vaping-in-the-us-surged-230-nearly-50-of-young-adult-daily-vapers-used-high-nicotine-e-cigarettes-studies-article-156378099" data-type="tilCustomLink">Vaping In The US Surged 230%; Nearly 50% Of Young Adult Daily Vapers Used High-Nicotine E-Cigarettes: Studies</a>

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The FDA advises consumers not to eat recalled oysters from Little Wicomico Oyster Company, identified by harvester certification number VA-1421-SP, that were harvested from the Little Wicomico River between September 18 and October 8, 2026.

Restaurants and retailers should not sell or serve these oysters. Consumers who have them should discard them or contact the seller. Any surfaces or containers that came into contact with the recalled shellfish should be cleaned and sanitised to prevent contamination.

Anyone who ate the recalled oysters and develops symptoms should contact a healthcare provider and mention the possible Salmonella exposure. Bloody diarrhoea, a high fever, signs of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/fasting-the-smart-way-how-to-make-healthier-food-choices-during-navratri-article-156335267" data-type="tilCustomLink">dehydration</a>, or vomiting that prevents someone from keeping fluids down warrant prompt medical attention.

The investigation is ongoing, and health officials are continuing to trace the source and distribution of the contaminated oysters.

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Raw oysters from a single company have been linked to a Salmonella outbreak across multiple states in the US. At least 27 people have been sickened in 12 states and five hospitalised, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). No deaths have been reported so far.The outbreak has been pinned down to oysters harvested by Little Wicomico Oyster Company from the Little Wicomico River in Virginia. The company voluntarily recalled oysters harvested between September 18 and October 8, 2026. The river was temporarily closed to shellfish harvesting.Pennsylvania has reported eight infections, becoming the state with the highest number of cases currently, followed by New York with four and Virginia with three. The recalled oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in 16 states and Washington, DC, and may have reached other locations.Oysters That Appear Fresh Can Still Make You SickContaminated shellfish may not always show signs of spoilage. Therefore, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns - “Food containing Salmonella may look, smell, and taste normal.”Oysters can become contaminated with harmful bacteria in the environment where they grow. Eating them raw or undercooked means the bacteria may survive and cause infection. Their appearance, smell and taste cannot reliably establish whether they are safe to eat.The CDC's investigation found that 10 of the 13 people interviewed about their food exposure had eaten raw oysters before becoming ill. Investigators also found that the oysters eaten by several affected people shared a common source, supporting the link to the Virginia harvest area.Also read: FDA Expands Recall Of Frozen Berries After E. Coli Outbreak Left 17 SickSymptoms Of Salmonella InfectionSalmonella infection may cause:DiarrhoeaFeverAbdominal crampsNausea and vomiting Symptoms usually begin within six hours to six days after the bacteria enters your body. Many people recover within four to seven days without treatment, but some may develop severe illness and need medical care. It can become serious in young children, older adults aged 65 and above and people with weak immune systems. The bacteria can occasionally enter the bloodstream and cause more severe infections.The CDC has warned that the actual number of infections may be higher than reported because some people recover without seeking medical care or getting tested.Also read: Daily Vaping In The US Surged 230%; Nearly 50% Of Young Adult Daily Vapers Used High-Nicotine E-Cigarettes: StudiesWhat Should Consumers Do?         The FDA advises consumers not to eat recalled oysters from Little Wicomico Oyster Company, identified by harvester certification number VA-1421-SP, that were harvested from the Little Wicomico River between September 18 and October 8, 2026.Restaurants and retailers should not sell or serve these oysters. Consumers who have them should discard them or contact the seller. Any surfaces or containers that came into contact with the recalled shellfish should be cleaned and sanitised to prevent contamination.Anyone who ate the recalled oysters and develops symptoms should contact a healthcare provider and mention the possible Salmonella exposure. Bloody diarrhoea, a high fever, signs of dehydration, or vomiting that prevents someone from keeping fluids down warrant prompt medical attention.The investigation is ongoing, and health officials are continuing to trace the source and distribution of the contaminated oysters.

raw oysters can look fresh and still make you sick: latest salmonella outbreak leaves 27 sick, 5 hospitalised

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