Oyster and clam shells are seen near a dock along Netarts Bay on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Tillamook, Ore. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Jenny Kane
Public health officials in Prince Edward Island report that over 550 individuals have shown symptoms of gastrointestinal illness following a norovirus outbreak linked to the International Shellfish Festival held in Charlottetown last weekend.
The chief public health officer of the province stated that this updated figure comes from responses to an online survey directed at festival attendees who participated between September 19 and 22. Among those affected, four individuals sought care in emergency departments, and one person required hospitalization.
Norovirus, a virus that spreads through contaminated food or beverages, has been found in stool samples from some attendees who fell ill after the event.
To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal illness at future gatherings, health officials recommend implementing additional health inspections before and during festivals, improving sanitation practices during food preparation, and ensuring that food handlers do not work while sick.
Other suggested measures include increasing the number of hand-washing stations, collaborating with sanitation companies to clean frequently touched surfaces daily, and storing samples of prepared food in cold storage for at least 48 hours after the event concludes.
