[StBernard] St. Bernard oyster harvesting area closed by state

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard oyster harvesting area closed by state
By The Times-Picayune 
March 25, 2010, 4:53PM
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals today ordered the closure
of molluscan shellfish harvesting Area 3 in St. Bernard Parish. The closure
takes effect at sunset.  

State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry signed the closure order when the
department was notified of a possible Norovirus outbreak in New Orleans.
Several people became ill over the weekend after eating raw oysters
harvested from Area 3.  DHH is investigating to determine whether the
oysters are to blame for the outbreak.  

Norovirus is a virus that causes the "stomach flu." Effects of the virus
usually begin 24 to 48 hours after exposure. Symptoms, which last for one to
two days on average, can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach
cramping. Occasional symptoms may include low-grade fever, chills, headache,
muscle aches and tiredness. Norovirus can be contracted several ways,
including by eating food or drinking liquids contaminated by infected food
handlers. Outbreaks have occurred from eating undercooked oysters harvested
from contaminated waters -- cooking kills the virus.

DHH has notified local oyster harvesters that work in the affected areas, as
well as the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, and the Louisiana Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and
promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and
rehabilitative services for all state citizens.