State closes area where oysters were harvested
State health officials have closed an oyster harvesting area in Cameron Parish after nine persons fell ill after consuming oysters collected in that area.
None of the nine became seriously ill, but each suffered stomach illnesses.
It is believed they were affected by norovirus which causes vomiting and diarrhea, usually within 12 to 48 hours after exposure. The duration is usually brief, with symptoms lasting a day or two.
Cooking kills the virus but outbreaks have occurred from eating raw or undercooked oysters harvested from contaminated waters.
The Department of Health and Hospitals recalled all oysters harvested from Basin 3, Area 30 since December 28. The area will be closed to harvesting for at least three weeks.
