All eight oyster meat samples that Virginia collected from the closed Little Wicomico River tested positive for Salmonella, the Virginia Department of Health reported in an update posted October 23. Genetic results showing whether the bacteria match the outbreak strain are expected next week.
The finding could move the investigation from a traceback link toward laboratory evidence in the oysters themselves. It matters for anyone who ate raw oysters this fall in the 15 states and Washington, D.C., where federal officials say the recalled shellfish were shipped.
