Cases of norovirus-like symptoms linked to oysters have prompted the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans to close oyster operations near Campbell River.
It’s the second closure of a shellfish operation linked to norovirus this month. An area near Tofino was closed after 120 people fell ill eating oysters in late November.
Two aquaculture sites near Subtle Island located between Quadra and Cortes islands are affected.
DFO said the Campbell River closure will be lifted when lab results from Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency indicate that no risk to humans exists.
According to Island Health, norovirus refers to a group of viruses responsible for what is typically called “stomach flu.” Symptoms include vomiting, watery diarrhea, cramps, some fever and general fatigue lasting up to 60 hours.
