At least 360 sick so far – more illnesses expected. The illnesses started in mid-January.

Norovirus enters the marine environment through untreated human sewage (poo) and vomiting. This can be from leaking septic tanks, faulty sewage treatment plants, boaters or swimmers. Shellfish are filter feeders, meaning they filter seawater through their bodies to get food floating in the water. When norovirus particles are in the water, shellfish can accumulate the virus in their bodies.

California: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warned consumers on April 2, 2022 not to eat raw oysters from British Columbia, Canada because they may be linked to an outbreak of norovirus in California. In California, at least 34 people have fallen ill from eating oysters at nine restaurants across the state. The illness was reported from March 11 to 19, 2022.

Minnesota: On April 1, 2022, the Minnesota Department of Health, Hennepin County Public Health, and Minnesota Department of Agriculture are working with federal officials and public health agencies in other states and Canada to investigate norovirus diseases associated with oysters harvested in bay 14-8. in British Columbia. 29 Minnesotans have been sick in this outbreak. They fell ill with confirmed or suspected norovirus gastroenteritis after eating raw oysters at Travail Kitchen in Robbinsdale on March 20.

Washington: On April 1, 2022, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) officials are advising Washington residents not to serve or eat raw oysters harvested in an area of ​​British Columbia (BC), Canada until further notice. 18 Washington residents have reported norovirus-like illness after eating BC oysters from harvest area BC 14-8 since March 7, 2022.

Canada: As of March 31, 2022, 279 cases of norovirus and gastrointestinal illness linked to the consumption of British Columbia oysters have been reported in the following provinces: British Columbia (262), Alberta (1), Saskatchewan (1 ) and Ontario (15). People became ill between mid-January and the end of March 2022, and no deaths were reported. Although not all cases of illness were tested, testing of several cases confirmed the presence of norovirus infection.

Reminder information: Some oyster harvest areas in British Columbia that have been linked to illnesses in this outbreak have been closed as part of the investigation. Food recalls have been issued on February 18, March 20, March 23 and March 27, 2022 for oysters from British Columbia

About norovirus: Norovirus is a highly contagious virus and can spread easily from person to person, through contaminated surfaces and by eating contaminated food, including raw or undercooked oysters. Symptoms of norovirus usually begin 12 to 48 hours after a person encounters the virus and can last 1 to 3 days. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. People who develop symptoms of norovirus infection should see their healthcare provider.

Norovirus Lawyers and Lawyers: Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of norovirus outbreaks. Marler Clark’s Norovirus attorneys have represented thousands of victims of Norovirus and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $800 million for their clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation whose practice focuses exclusively on foodborne illness litigation. Our Norovirus attorneys have litigated Norovirus cases resulting from outbreaks linked to a number of food and restaurant products.

If you or a family member became ill with Norovirus after consuming food and are interested in taking legal action, contact Marler Clark Norovirus Lawyers for a free case evaluation.