B.C. Centre For Disease Control Announcing Spike In “Norovirus-Like Gastrointestinal Illness”

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control is alerting residents of a spike in “norovirus-like gastrointestinal illness” that has been linked to raw oysters in several health authorities.

Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 18, the BCCDC says there’s been 64 cases of the illness reported in Island Health, Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health.

While norovirus is generally not serious, several people have gone to emergency departments after getting infected, though no one has been admitted to hospital.

Symptoms of norovirus include vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, cramps, fever and diarrhea.

The BCCDC says recent reports have come from individuals who have eaten raw oysters from restaurants and retail locations.

The symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after infection, and last between 24 and 72 hours.

Norovirus can spread easily from person to person once infected, but it can also come from consuming food or water that is contaminated with the virus.

Food that is contaminated with norovirus may appear, taste and smell normal.

To prevent it, the BCCDC recommends cooking oysters thoroughly to an internal temperature of 90°C and then waiting 90 seconds before eating them.

To learn more, visit B.C. Centre for Disease Control.