VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The BC Centre for Disease Control says there have been more than 70 cases reported to BC health authorities — specifically in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, and on Vancouver Island as well. Testing in several cases confirmed the presence of norovirus.

People who have been ill have reported eating raw oysters or lightly-cooked oysters in restaurants or prepared at home.

“Testing in several of the cases confirmed the presence of norovirus, and we suspect norovirus in the others,” says Dr. Eleni Galanis, an epidemiologist at the BCCDC. “In order to kill norovirus and other bugs, people need to cook oysters thoroughly, to an internal temperature of 90 degrees Celsius for 90 seconds.”

The agency says oysters can make people sick at any time during the year. While raw oyster consumption during the summer months is linked to an increased risk of illness from vibrio, other microorganisms like norovirus can be present all year.

The BCCDC says anyone who gets sick with diarrhea and vomiting after eating shellfish should call BC HealthLink at 811. If symptoms are really bad then you’re encouraged to call your doctor.