May 2, 2024

Don't let shellfish make you sick: Use caution when harvesting during warm-weather months

A seasonal vibrio advisory is in effect for Hood Canal from May through September. 

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — The risk of getting sick from shellfish increases as the weather warms up. 

Vibrio bacteria, which grow more quickly in warm weather, are a common cause of shellfish-related illnesses during the late spring, summer, and early fall.

People most often get vibriosis when they eat raw or undercooked oysters or other shellfish contaminated with vibrio. Symptoms can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, or chills. The CDC estimates that vibriosis causes 80,000 illnesses each year in the United States.

USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN HARVESTING SHELLFISH

No matter what time of year you harvest, always check the shellfish safety map or call 1-800-562-5632 before harvesting to be aware of any closures or advisories. 

To reduce your risk of getting sick from vibrio:

• Harvest as the tide goes out.
• Bring a cooler to the beach and pack shellfish in ice as you harvest.
• Only eat cooked shellfish! Cook shellfish until they reach 145° for at least 15 seconds to kill vibrio bacteria.

Vibrio can also infect open wounds. Cover any wounds with waterproof bandages before touching saltwater or handling shellfish. 

HOOD CANAL ADVISORY Due to high levels of vibrio reported in past years, a seasonal advisory is in place for Hood Canal from May through September.  Shellfish recreationally harvested in Hood Canal should be cooked thoroughly to avoid illness from vibrio bacteria. See the state shellfish safety map for details and additional closures and advisories.  Be aware that vibrio can be present in any shellfish harvesting area. Take extra precautions when harvesting shellfish during warm weather.

MORE RESOURCES

• Kitsap Public Health's Shellfish advisories page
• Washington State Department of Health's General shellfish information
• Washington State Department of Health's Safe handling, storing and cooking practices
• CDC's vibriosis information page

CONTACT:

Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer
Kitsap Public Health District
360-728-2330 - office | 360-728-2235 - main
pio@kitsappublichealth.org | kitsappublichealth.org