A sudden rise in salmonella cases has been traced to raw oysters harvested from Virginia’s Little Wicomico River, prompting a nationwide recall.
Key points
- 27 people have been reported sick with salmonella linked to raw oysters from the Little Wicomico River.
- The CDC has ordered a voluntary recall of oysters harvested Sep 18‑Oct 8, 2026 and closed the harvest area.
- Consumers and businesses should not consume or sell the recalled oysters and should follow disposal instructions.
- Medical attention is recommended for specific gastrointestinal symptoms and signs of dehydration.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a notice that a salmonella outbreak, currently linked to 27 reported illnesses, appears to stem from raw oysters sold in several states. The agency’s bulletin cites the Little Wicomico Oyster Company as the source of the contaminated shellstock.
According to the CDC, the company voluntarily recalled whole oysters harvested between September 18 and October 8, 2026 from the Little Wicomico River. The affected product was distributed not only in Virginia and Maryland but also reached retailers in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C. The harvest area has been closed as a precautionary measure.
Recall and distribution details
Consumers, food‑service operators and retailers are advised to stop eating, selling or serving the recalled oysters and to either discard them or arrange for proper destruction through their distributors. The CDC stresses that the recall applies only to oysters harvested in the specified date range from the Little Wicomico River.
Health officials warn that anyone experiencing diarrhea with a fever above 102 °F, prolonged or bloody diarrhea, severe vomiting, or signs of dehydration such as reduced urination, dry mouth or dizziness should seek medical attention promptly. These symptoms are consistent with salmonella infection, the agency notes.
Health guidance and symptoms
The situation remains fluid, and local news outlets encourage readers to monitor updates from the CDC and state health departments for further guidance as the investigation continues.
Reader questions
What should I do if I have oysters from the Little Wicomico Oyster Company?
Stop eating them immediately, do not serve them to others, and either discard them safely or contact the distributor to arrange for proper destruction, as advised by the CDC.
Which states received the recalled oysters?
The recalled product was shipped to retailers in Virginia, Maryland, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C.
What are the key symptoms that indicate a salmonella infection?
Symptoms include diarrhea with a fever over 102 °F, diarrhea lasting more than two days without improvement, bloody stools, severe vomiting, and dehydration signs such as low urine output, dry mouth or dizziness upon standing.
Source: wtkr.com
