AHS warning public about eating raw shellfish after illnesses reported in province
EDMONTON — Alberta Health Services are reminding residents to properly cook shellfish after multiple illnesses have been reported in the province.
According to a news release on Monday, nine cases of gastrointestinal illness are being investigated, and are potentially linked to consumption of raw oysters from British Columbia. Seven of the cases are in Edmonton, while two have been reported in Calgary.
AHS is reminding Albertans to ensure oysters are fully cooked before consuming them, noting they need be cooked to an internal temperature of 90 degrees Celsius (194 degrees Fahrenheit) for a minimum of 90 seconds to kill norovirus.
Albertans are also being reminded to discard oysters that do not open while cooking, eat them right away after cooking, and keep raw and cooked oyster separate to avoid cross-contamination.