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AHS warns against eating raw shellfish after illnesses reported

Apr 18, 2018 | 6:24 AM

EDMONTON — Alberta Health Services is reminding residents to properly cook shellfish after multiple illnesses have been reported in the province.

Nine cases of gastro-intestinal illness are being investigated, and are potentially linked to consumption of raw oysters from British Columbia. Seven of the cases are in Edmonton, while two have been reported in Calgary.

AHS is reminding Albertans to ensure oysters are fully cooked before consuming them, noting they need be cooked to an internal temperature of 90 degrees Celsius (194 degrees Fahrenheit) for a minimum of 90 seconds to kill norovirus.

Albertans are also being reminded to discard oysters that do not open while cooking, eat them right away after cooking, and keep raw and cooked oyster separate to avoid cross-contamination.

Illnesses associated with raw oysters or shellfish contaminated with viruses or bacteria commonly cause vomiting, watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

Other symptoms can include nausea, fever, headache and bloody stools.

Symptoms typically last for one day to a week and usually do not require any treatment, but if symptoms persist, AHS advises residents to visit a doctor.

People with weakened immune systems, young children, pregnant women and older adults are at increased risk of developing complications if they get sick.

Individuals who develop these symptoms within 10 to 50 hours of eating raw shellfish are advised to call Health Link (811) to report the illness.