64 people in 22 states, including South Carolina, have gotten sick with the same strain of salmonella after eating raw oysters, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Of those, 20 people have been hospitalized.
The CDC is working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local public health officials to determine if there is a common source of tainted oysters. There currently is no public recall.
Preventing illness
Health officials say cooking oysters reduces the risk of food poisoning.
Raw oysters can be contaminated at any time of the year, and you cannot determine whether oysters have germs by looking at them.
Health officials also discourage against a common myth that lemon juice and hot sauce kill bacteria.
About salmonella
Most people who become infected experience stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever six hours to six days after exposure, with symptoms lasting four to seven days.
The majority recover without treatment. In extreme cases, however, some people need to be hospitalized.
Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get severely sick.
For more information about salmonella and updates related to the outbreak, visit the CDC website.