Federal and state health authorities are investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to raw oysters harvested from the Little Wicomico River in Virginia that has sickened at least 27 people and hospitalized five across 12 states, officials said Wednesday.
What was recalled and where it went
The Little Wicomico Oyster Company issued a voluntary recall Oct. 9 for whole shellstock oysters harvested from the Little Wicomico River and the Little Wicomico River Lower growing areas. The recall covers oysters harvested from Sept. 18, 2026, through Oct. 8, 2026. The company stopped harvesting in the affected area and notified distributors and customers.
As a precaution, the Virginia Department of Health placed an emergency condemnation order closing the downstream portion of the Little Wicomico River to shellfish harvesting. The closure is scheduled to remain in place through Nov. 7.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the recalled oysters were shipped to restaurants and retailers in several states and the District of Columbia, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The agency said product may have been further distributed, and officials are tracing shipments to identify exposures.
Health officials outline symptoms and risk
Health agencies warn that people who ate the recalled oysters could develop symptoms of Salmonella infection. Symptoms typically appear between six hours and six days after eating contaminated food and commonly include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Most healthy people recover within four to seven days without specific treatment.
But Salmonella can cause severe illness in some groups, including young children, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems. Officials say anyone who believes they consumed the recalled oysters and develops troubling symptoms should contact a health care provider.
- Illnesses reported so far: 27
- Hospitalizations: 5
- Affected states: 12 (plus District of Columbia)
- Recall harvest window: Sept. 18–Oct. 8, 2026
- Shellfish closure in Virginia: through Nov. 7
Advice for consumers and businesses
Officials urged consumers and restaurants to check whether they received oysters from the Little Wicomico Oyster Company during the recalled harvest window. Restaurants and retailers that received the product were told to remove it from sale and follow state and federal guidance for disposal.
Health agencies emphasize routine precautions to reduce the risk of foodborne illness: cook shellfish thoroughly, avoid eating raw oysters if you are in a higher-risk group, and follow any local advisories about shellfish harvesting closures.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | Little Wicomico Oyster Company |
| Harvest area | Little Wicomico River and Little Wicomico River Lower, Virginia |
| Harvest dates | Sept. 18–Oct. 8, 2026 |
| Federal agencies involved | FDA, CDC |
Investigators from the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state public health agencies are working to confirm the source of illnesses, identify additional cases and determine whether more product was distributed. No deaths have been reported.
New Jersey consumers who are unsure whether oysters they purchased or consumed are part of the recall should contact the retailer or restaurant for information. Local health departments can provide guidance on potential exposure and testing options.
For now, officials advise that anyone who develops severe or persistent symptoms — such as high fever, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, signs of dehydration, or illness that worsens — seek medical attention promptly and inform providers about possible exposure to recalled oysters.
The investigation is ongoing. WE NEWS will update readers as state and federal agencies release new information about the recall and any additional illnesses linked to the product.
