Pasadena Health Department Investigates Illness Linked to Raw Oysters

Oysters plate (Photo – Elle Hughes)

Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is coordinating with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) to investigate complaints of gastrointestinal illness linked to raw oyster consumption.

By News Desk

Residents need to be aware of the risks of consuming raw oysters. They should take precautions, especially those vulnerable to severe health conditions, young children, older adults, and/or the immunocompromised.

“We are working closely with our state and county public health partners to assess the scope of the potential outbreak and investigating complaints to determine if there are any local impacts,” said Manuel Carmona, Pasadena’s Acting Public Health Director.

“If you are feeling sick with a gastrointestinal illness, avoid spreading illness. Wash your hands frequently, and avoid preparing food for others. Disinfect surfaces that might come in contact with the virus, especially in the bathroom and frequently touched objects, like your phone, door knobs, and kitchen countertops,” said Interim Health Officer, Dr. Parveen Kaur. “Seek medical care if symptoms are severe.”

• If you believe you became sick from eating or drinking at a Pasadena food facility, file a report at the Pasadena Citizen Service Center under Public Health Restaurant-Food Borne Illness.
• If you believe you became sick from eating or drinking something at a food facility outside Pasadena but within Los Angeles County, you should file a report with the LA Public Health Food Illness Report Page.