At least 80 people contracted norovirus after consuming raw oysters at an event held at the Hollywood Palladium on December 3, celebrating the Los Angeles Times’ list of the 101 best restaurants. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed the outbreak to ABC News. A spokesperson for the department stated that over 80 attendees who ate the oysters reported falling ill. The oysters, identified as Fanny Bay Select and Fanny Bay XS from Pacific Northwest Shellfish Co., were packed on or after November 25. A recall was issued on December 13. Following the recall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued multiple warnings on December 18 advising restaurants, retailers, and consumers not to sell or consume the affected oysters due to potential norovirus contamination.
The FDA issued a warning advising consumers not to eat the potentially contaminated oysters. Those experiencing symptoms are urged to contact their healthcare provider to report their symptoms and seek treatment, the agency stated in a press release.
The warning applies to 15 states, including Hawaii, California, Arizona, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Norovirus, according to the CDC, is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is often referred to as the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” though it is not related to the flu. Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach or intestines.
While most people recover from norovirus within 1 to 3 days, they can still spread the virus for several days after symptoms subside.
Symptoms of Norovirus
Common symptoms of norovirus include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
According to the FDA, symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. Most individuals recover within 1 to 3 days.
Norovirus can be more severe for young children, older adults, and individuals with other health conditions. Dehydration symptoms may include reduced urination, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness upon standing. Children who are dehydrated may have fewer tears when crying and may become unusually sleepy or irritable.