Louisiana Oyster Recall Issued After Virus Outbreak in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, La. (KPEL News) - More than a dozen people are sick after eating in some New Orleans restaurants, prompting a recall and the shutdown of a harvesting region in south Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Health announced on Tuesday.
The timing couldn't be worse, as there are plenty of people in New Orleans for the Super Bowl, and the city is known for its many great seafood eateries.
The emergency recall impacts oysters harvested from the area near the "toe" of Louisiana, stretching into the Gulf just south of the Louisiana-Mississippi line, LDH said in a press release. Here's what you need to know.
About the Oyster Recall
According to LDH, the recall affects all oysters harvested after January 10, 2025, from the area known as Oyster Harvesting Area 3. The recall includes all raw half-shell, shucked, frozen, breaded, and post-harvest processed oysters.
The impacted harvesting area is located east of Lake Borgne, north of Eloi Bay, and includes the Chandeleur Islands and nearby marshes.
Health officials issued the recall after at least 15 people reported norovirus-like symptoms between January 15 and January 31. Those affected had eaten oysters at various New Orleans restaurants. While the illnesses were not life-threatening, two individuals required hospitalization but have since been discharged.
The closure of Area 3 is expected to last at least 21 days, with health officials conducting environmental safety tests before reopening the waters.
What Are the Symptoms?
Norovirus, which we often refer to as the "stomach bug," is a highly contagious virus that causes various symptoms, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramping
- Fever, chills, headache, and body aches (in some cases)
Symptoms of norovirus typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last a couple of days. While the illness is generally mild, severe dehydration can lead to complications, particularly for young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Is Louisiana Seafood Still Safe?
The state health department, however, is reassuring Louisiana residents that Louisiana seafood as a whole is safe, and that oysters harvested outside Area 3 are not affected.
"All Louisiana oysters harvested outside of Area 3 as well as all other Louisiana seafood statewide are safe for consumption," the LDH press release said.
How Do Oysters Become Contaminated?
Oysters are filter feeders, LDH explained in its press release, meaning they absorb nutrients—and potential contaminants—from their surrounding waters.
If an oyster bed is exposed to norovirus, consuming raw or undercooked oysters can lead to infection. Proper cooking kills the virus, but raw oyster consumption remains a common source of outbreaks.
What’s Next?
LDH and environmental experts are monitoring the affected waters, which will reopen once they meet safety standards set by the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC). The closure order was signed today by Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, M.D., and LDH Secretary Michael Harrington.
Have You Gotten Sick? Here’s What to Do
If you suspect you’ve fallen ill after eating raw oysters, report your symptoms to LDH:
- Contact your regional epidemiologist (Find contact info here).
- Submit an illness report online at this link.
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