BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) today issued a seven-day precautionary closure of oyster beds located in Duxbury Bay, Kingston Bay, Bluefish River, Back River, and Plymouth Harbor effective Thursday, September 24, 2015. This precautionary closure is due to five confirmed cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vibrio) linked to the consumption of raw oysters from the area, and the presence of environmental conditions in the area conducive to the growth of Vibrio in harvested oysters.
Harvesting and possession of oysters from these areas for commercial purposes is prohibited for seven days in harvest areas CCB-42, CCB-43, CCB-45, CCB-46, and CCB-47 with the issuance of this precautionary closure. Should more cases be confirmed, an extended U.S. Food and Drug Administration-enforced closure could be issued. The decision to issue a precautionary closure was made jointly between DPH and DMF officials in response to current water temperatures in Duxbury Bay, and the confirmation of five cases linked to that area. In each of the cases, the individuals who consumed the raw oysters have recovered.
Vibrio is a bacteria that thrives in warmer temperatures, multiplying as water and ambient air temperatures increase. The more Vibrio present in oysters, the greater the risk of infection. Current water temperatures in Duxbury Bay are consistent with water temperatures and environmental conditions that have been associated with Vibrio illnesses.
DPH and DMF have successfully partnered with industry to develop controls to mitigate risk of Vibrio associated with Massachusetts harvested oysters. A statewide Vibrio Control Plan has been in effect since 2013.
The Vibrio season in Massachusetts runs from May to October. Health officials are reminding all persons who are at high risk, especially those who are elderly or immune compromised, to avoid eating any raw shellfish.
Source: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
