Virginia Closes Shellfish Harvesting After Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Harvested Oysters and Clams

Virginia has closed shellfish harvesting in the Little Wicomico River due to a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least five people in Pennsylvania. The closure, which went into effect October 9 and will last through November 7, impacts the harvesting of oysters and clams in Northumberland County, a rural area in northern Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) stated that the closure was issued out of an abundance of caution after being notified of the Salmonella outbreak in Pennsylvania, which has been epidemiologically linked to shellfish from these waters. The VDH is currently conducting testing on shellfish from the affected area.

The shutdown applies to bivalve mollusks but does not include crabs or finfish. The VDH also noted that the closure has no impact on the region's drinking water.

This is not the only recent closure in the area. On the same day, the VDH also issued an emergency shellfish closure for portions of Lower Machodoc Creek in Westmoreland County, which will be in effect until October 29. During these closures, it is illegal to harvest, store, or transport shellfish from the designated areas without a special permit.

Salmonella bacteria can cause serious illness, including diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and dehydration. While many healthy adults recover within a week with rest and hydration, the infection can become life-threatening, particularly for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, Salmonella can lead to sepsis, a dangerous complication where the immune system overreacts to infection. Antibiotics may be used for more severe infections.

Salmonella is a significant cause of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for approximately 1.35 million infections, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths annually.