Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of your intestines that can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting. It is typically spread from person to person but can also be spread through contamination of food or water that is infected with the virus. While it is impossible to know if an oyster or other shellfish could be contaminated, thoroughly cooking the oyster reduces the risk of transmission of the virus.
Background
Viruses are typically transmitted by consuming food or through oral or fecal secretions of someone who is suffering from the virus. Oysters can be contaminated with a virus before coming into contact with a person because the virus can be transmitted in contaminated water. When you eat the contaminated oyster, even small amounts of the virus can infect you and you can then transmit the virus to other people. Anyone handling the oysters or who is in close contact with an infected person is at high risk for becoming ill from the virus.
Types
Rotavirus, adenovirus and norovirus are all common causes of viral gastroenteritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, viral gastroenteritis associated with oysters are typically caused by a small round virus known as norovirus. Norovirus is the type that often affects water sources and outbreaks are common in shellfish, on cruises and with foods that are washed in contaminated water. Outbreaks of gastroenteritis related to norovirus can often be attributed to a single contaminated water source.
Prevention
If you handle food as part of your job, you should avoid preparing food when ill as even a few virus particles can infect another person. Washing your hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food helps reduce the transmission of the virus considerably. Cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables carefully. As gastroenteritis causes vomiting and diarrhea, it can be difficult to thoroughly clean and disinfect after someone is ill but is extremely important in halting virus transmission.
Treatment
Treatment for a gastroenteritis related to oysters involves ensuring that you do not become dehydrated and attempting to avoid spreading infection. The illness is self-limiting and you will likely begin to feel better within a few days. Try to drink fluids regularly in small amounts but do not try to eat solid food until the vomiting has subsided. If your infant or small child has viral gastroenteritis, talk to your pediatrician about her symptoms to ensure that she does not become dehydrated.
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