After more than two dozen complaints of stomach illnesses potentially linked to raw oysters served at four restaurants in Los Angeles County, Pasadena Public Health officials are coordinating with county and state experts to investigate.
Pasadena Acting Public Health Director Manuel Carmona said experts are working “to assess the scope of the potential outbreak and investigating complaints.”
Last Friday, the L.A. County Public Health Department announced that 27 people had been diagnosed with cases of gastrointestinal illnesses that have been potentially linked to raw oysters.
The cluster of cases were still being investigated as of Wednesday, Jan. 17 and the source of the outbreak has not been verified. The four suspected restaurants have not been named.
“Until the source is confirmed, consumers should be cautious before eating raw oysters due to the potential risk of foodborne illness,” Dr. Muntu Davis, L.A. County Health Officer, said in a statement. “If you are sick, avoid spreading illness by washing your hands frequently and cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and kitchen countertops.”
Health officials warned people to be aware about the risks of consuming raw oysters and urged vulnerable residents, such as young children, older adults and those who are immunocompromised, to take precautions.
“If you are feeling sick with a gastrointestinal illness, avoid spreading illness by washing your hands frequently, avoid preparing food for others, and disinfect surfaces that might come in contact with the virus, especially in the bathroom and frequently touched objects, like your phone, door knobs, and kitchen countertops,” Interim Health Officer Dr. Parveen Kaur said. “Seek medical care if symptoms are severe.”
The outbreak comes as San Diego County and Orange County public health officials released similar warnings this week. In San Diego County, 41 cases of norovirus linked to consumption of…
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