WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – An emergency closure and recall has been issued for a shellfish harvesting spot in Whatcom County.
The State Department of Health issued the emergency closure following reports of several people getting sick after eating raw oysters harvested from Drayton Harbor.
All shellfish harvesting in Drayton Harbor has since closed and is expected to reopen by March 24.
The contaminated oysters and clams were harvested between Feb. 13-23 and sold at the Drayton Harbor Oyster Company. Some oysters and clams were also sold at the Bellingham Dockside Market on Feb. 21.
“We appreciate the strong cooperation from Drayton Harbor Oyster Company throughout this process,” said Tom Kunesh, Food Safety Program Supervisor. “The company has been proactive in discontinuing the sale of potentially impacted oysters from their restaurant and retail store.”
Anyone who specifically bought raw medium oysters at either location is asked to dispose of them immediately.
State health officials add that those who got sick reported symptoms associated with norovirus, such as vomiting, fatigue and stomach cramps.
Drayton Harbor Oyster Company’s restaurant will stay open but won’t serve any shellfish from the harbor until it’s safe to do so.
