San Diego City Wire

Apr 16, 2024

San Diego County health officials have identified a concerning situation involving norovirus cases linked to frozen oysters imported from South Korea. According to a report by the County News Center, customers who consumed the oysters at 100s Seafood Grill Buffet in Mission Valley between March 31 and April 1 have fallen ill, with 11 confirmed and probable cases reported.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning, connecting the illnesses in San Diego to quick-frozen oysters. Restaurants and stores selling frozen, raw half-shell oysters are advised to inspect their freezers and validate the source of their oysters. Particularly, oysters processed by JBR (KR 15 SP) in Tongyeongsi, Republic of Korea on specific dates with lot numbers B231126, B240103, and B240214 are under scrutiny and should not be consumed.

County Public Health Officer, Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., emphasized the importance of seeking medical evaluation if individuals have consumed the affected oysters and are feeling unwell. Additionally, she highlighted the significance of handwashing and cleaning common areas to prevent the spread of norovirus within households.

The recent outbreak follows a previous incident where raw oysters from a specific harvest location in Northwest Mexico were linked to 41 cases of norovirus in San Diego. Norovirus symptoms typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and body aches, manifesting within 12 to 48 hours after ingestion. The illness duration ranges from one to three days and can lead to dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations like young children and older adults.

San Diego County officials are collaborating with the California Department of Public Health to investigate further potential retailers in the region selling the implicated oysters. To report illness associated with dining out or purchasing from wholesale food locations, individuals are encouraged to contact the County at (858) 505-6814 or email fhdepi@sdcounty.ca.gov.

For more information on seafood and shellfish safety, general details about norovirus, and tips on preventing its spread at home, resources are available on the County's official website.

The County's Epidemiology Program and Department of Environmental Health and Quality are working closely with state health authorities to address the ongoing situation and ensure public safety amidst the norovirus outbreak linked to frozen Korean oysters.