B.C. officials issue norovirus warning over raw oysters [Video]

Dozens of people have become ill after eating raw oysters in B.C. since Nov. 1, public health officials warned Thursday.

The Provincial Health Services Authority and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control said in a statement that 64 cases of “norovirus-like gastrointestinal illness” have been reported in the Vancouver Coastal, Fraser and Island health authorities between Nov. 1 and Wednesday.

“Those affected have reported symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, and/or stomach pain after eating raw oysters from restaurants and retail locations,” the agencies said.

“While some individuals have visited emergency departments, there have been no hospital admissions reported.”

According to the statement, the BCCDC and regional health authorities are investigating the illness reports with help from federal partners.

“As part of this investigation, federal agencies have closed some areas to commercial shellfish harvesting, including areas in Baynes Sound, west of Denman Island,” the statement reads.

People who harvest shellfish recreationally should check the BCCDC shellfish map for detailed information about site closures, officials said. 

“Norovirus is a common cause of …