Health Alert: Salmonella outbreak linked to seafood, 12 states impacted
Key Outbreak Details
Source: Raw oysters harvested by Little Wicomico Oyster Company from the Little Wicomico River.
Harvest Dates: September 18 through October 8, 2026.
Illnesses & Hospitalizations: 27 reported illnesses and 5 hospitalizations (no deaths).
Impacted States: Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky,
Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. (with distribution extending to additional states like Texas).
Safety Advice
Do Not Eat: Do not consume, sell, or serve the recalled oysters.
Check Tags: Look at shellstock tags for the harvest area (Little Wicomico River or Little Wicomico River Lower) and the specified dates.
Cooking vs. Toppings: Lemon juice, hot sauce, and alcohol do not kill Salmonella; only thorough cooking makes oysters safe.
Symptoms: Watch for fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and stomach cramps starting 6 hours to 6 days after eating.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state and local public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Telelkebir infections linked to raw oysters harvested by Little Wicomico Oyster Company from the Little Wicomico River harvest area in Virginia.
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled oysters. Contaminated oysters can cause Salmonella infection, which can lead to serious illness.
Outbreak at a Glance
27 reported cases across 12 states
5 hospitalizations among 21 people with hospitalization information available
0 deaths reported
Reported illnesses began between May 29 and September 14, 2026.The actual number of illnesses may be higher because some people recover without medical care or testing.
What You Should Do
Consumers: Do not eat recalled oysters. Check the recall and outbreak information for details about affected products.
Restaurants and food businesses: Do not sell or serve recalled oysters. Check inventory and contact suppliers if you are unsure whether oysters are affected.
Anyone who has recalled oysters: Do not consume them. Follow official public health guidance for safe disposal or return.People who recently ate raw oysters: Monitor for symptoms of Salmonella infection and contact a healthcare provider if you become ill.
Symptoms to Watch For
Salmonella infection can cause:
Diarrhea
Fever
Stomach cramps
Nausea or vomiting in some cases
Symptoms usually begin 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and often last 4-7 days. Some people, including young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, may develop more serious illness.
Seek medical care if symptoms are severe, you have signs of dehydration, or you are concerned about your illness.
How to Protect Yourself
Avoid eating raw or undercooked oysters and other shellfish.
Cook shellfish thoroughly before eating.
Prevent cross-contamination between raw seafood and ready-to-eat foods.
Wash hands and clean food preparation surfaces after handling raw seafood.
Investigation Update
Investigators found that 10 of 13 people interviewed reported eating raw oysters before becoming ill. Traceback investigations identified oysters from the Little Wicomico River harvest area as a common source among the oysters reported by seven ill people. A sample of oysters from this harvest area also tested positive for Salmonella; further genetic testing is pending to determine whether it matches the outbreak strain.
Please share this alert to help protect your family, customers, and community.
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