Overview
- Cases span late June through late November with confirmed illnesses reported in 22 states, according to the CDC.
- At least 20 people have been hospitalized, a higher rate than typical for oyster-related Salmonella outbreaks, and no deaths have been reported.
- Interviews show a strong exposure link, with about three-quarters of 27 interviewed patients reporting they ate raw oysters.
- The CDC and FDA are working to determine whether the illnesses trace back to a common oyster source, and no recall has been announced.
- The CDC advises cooking oysters to reduce risk and cautions that hot sauce or lemon juice do not kill harmful germs, with higher risk for young children, older adults, and immunocompromised people.