The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has identified an outbreak of Salmonella Telelkebir cases associated with consumption of oysters harvested from Little Wicomico River or Little Wicomico River, Lower.
As of October. 19, there are 27 patients with living required hospitalization. The patients are spread across 12 states.
Little Wicomico Oyster Company (VA-1421-SP) has recalled oysters harvested From Sept. 18, through Oct. 8 and has contacted their customers. Little Wicomico Oyster Company has stopped harvesting from the affected area and is cooperating with public health officials.
The Virginia Department of Health has temporarily closed Little Wicomico River to shellfish harvesting, effective Oct. 9, 2026.
The Salmonella Telelkebir illnesses identified by Pennsylvania as being associated with the consumption of oysters harvested from Little Wicomico River and Little Wicomico River Lower, VA, by Little Wicomico Oyster Company (VA-1421-SP) are part of a cluster of 27 Salmonella Telelkebir illnesses being investigated by CDC, FDA, and the relevant state authorities.
The FDA was initially notified of the Salmonella Telelkebir outbreak by the CDC and continues to partner with CDC in the investigation and provide assistance, as needed, to state authorities.
The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell, and consumers not to eat recalled oysters from Little Wicomico Oyster Company (VA-1421-SP) harvested in the Little Wicomico River from September 18 through October 8, 2026, because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. Little Wicomico Oyster Company oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, MD, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, PA, TX, VA, and may have been further distributed. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of these products by throwing them away or contacting their distributor to arrange for destruction.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.
Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled oysters and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
