The Public Health Agency of Canada is once again warning about an outbreak of norovirus and gastrointestinal illnesses linked to raw and undercooked oysters from BC.
The agency is reporting another 22 cases in the outbreak bringing the total number of cases of sickness to 289. The illness covers people in BC, Alberta and Ontario. The source of the contamination has been identified as oysters from BC, but the cause is still under investigation.
Norovirus can cause gastroenteritis which usually includes symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
The Public Health Agency says it appears contaminated oysters remain on the market, including restaurants, seafood markets and grocery stores. It says illnesses can be avoided if oysters are cooked to an internal temperature of 90 degrees Celsius/194 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 90 seconds.Proper hand washing and food safety practices should also be followed.