Hepatitis A and Undercooked Shellfish
Topic Overview
Eating raw shellfish, especially oysters, may put you at risk for hepatitis A.
Bivalves such as oysters and clams filter large amounts of water when feeding. If shellfish are living in water that has been contaminated with stool containing the hepatitis A virus, the shellfish may carry the virus. People then may get it when they eat the raw or undercooked shellfish.
Raw shellfish also may carry other viruses and bacteria that can make people sick.
Not everyone who eats contaminated raw oysters or other raw shellfish will become sick. But to reduce the chance of getting sick, make sure that shellfish have been cooked thoroughly.
Credits
Current as ofJuly 30, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine
W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
Current as of: July 30, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine & W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology