A Salmonella outbreak in 22 states has been linked to raw oysters, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The CDC says 64 people have been infected with a strain of Salmonella since June 21, and 20 people have been hospitalized. However, public health officials believe the number of people sickened is likely much higher.
The CDC has linked three patients in Florida so far to the Salmonella outbreak.
The CDC says it has not yet determined where the oysters came from, but officials said laboratory data and surveys convincingly link eating raw oysters to the outbreak.
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The CDC says raw oysters can become contaminated at any time of the year, and are urging people to cook oysters to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Officials also say that adding hot sauce and lemon juice to raw oysters will not kill these germs.
It can sometimes take up to six days for symptoms of Salmonella poisoning to show up. Most people experience a fever, stomach cramps and diarrhea. If left untreated, most people can recover in up to seven days.
However, people with weakened immune systems, people younger than five, or those 65 years of age or older may need medical treatment or hospitalization.
The CDC says you should call your doctor immediately if you have diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees, diarrhea for more than three days that is not getting better, bloody diarrhea, vomiting so severe that you can’t keep liquids down, and signs of dehydration.
More details are available on the CDC website.