Shellfish harvesting: Higher concentration of bacteria in warm ocean may be causing rise in illness, BCCDC warns
Warm ocean waters may be behind multiple recent reports in B.C. of an illness that causes diarrhea, vomiting and fever.
The B.C. Centre for Disease Control said in a statement Wednesday that it's received five reports of vibrio illness, caused by the bacteria with the same name.
The bacteria can become concentrated in shellfish when the ocean is warmer in the summer, prompting health officials to issue a warning about safe harvesting and consumption of clams, mussels and other shellfish.
Illness from the bacteria can cause abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and chills. The symptoms typically last for about three days.
To avoid sickness, the BCCDC says those harvesting shellfish should do so when the tide is going out. After harvesting, shellfish should be placed in a chilled cooler to prevent bacteria from growing. Harvesters should also check out the shellfish status map before digging and collecting.
Anyone preparing shellfish should make sure it's fully cooked by letting its temperature get to 90 C for 90 seconds. The BCCDC also says crab shouldn't be cooked whole, but should be split and have guts removed before boiling to remove any toxins.
"Keep cooking areas clean," the BCCDC's warning says. "Separate raw and cooked seafood to prevent cross-contamination and clean and sanitize knives and cutting boards. Wash hands frequently."
It's not uncommon for B.C. to record a rise in vibrio illness during the summer months. In previous years, dozens of cases have been reported. In 2015, for example, 62 people became ill from vibrio bacteria.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.