Raw Oysters Linked to Salmonella Outbreak in 22 US States | CDC

A multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to raw oysters is currently under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As of December 23, 2025, 64 people across 22 states have been reported sick with the same strain of Salmonella, with 20 requiring hospitalization. No deaths have been reported at this time. More details are available on the CDC website.

The scale of this outbreak is notable. hospitalization rates are higher than typically observed in Salmonella outbreaks associated with oyster consumption. Initial interviews with 27 individuals who became ill revealed that 74% had consumed raw oysters in the week prior to symptom onset, strongly suggesting a link to this food source.

Understanding Salmonella and Oyster-Related Risks

Salmonella is a common cause of food poisoning. Symptoms typically appear within 6 to 6 days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Whereas most people recover within 4 to 7 days without specific treatment, severe cases can necessitate hospitalization, particularly among vulnerable populations – young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Raw oysters pose a unique risk because they filter water and can concentrate bacteria, including Salmonella, from their environment. Unlike some other foodborne illnesses where cooking effectively eliminates the threat, raw oyster consumption offers no such protection. Even adding hot sauce or lemon juice will not kill harmful germs present in the oyster. And, critically, there is no way to visually determine if an oyster is contaminated.

The Current Investigation and What It Means

The CDC and FDA are working to pinpoint the source of the contaminated oysters. This involves tracing the oysters back through the supply chain – from where they were harvested to where they were distributed and ultimately consumed. Identifying a common supplier or harvesting location is crucial for issuing targeted recalls and preventing further illnesses. As of now, no recalls have been announced.

The investigation is complicated by the fact that oysters are often sold with limited traceability information. Determining the precise origin of the oysters consumed by those who became ill is a significant challenge. The CDC is utilizing genomic sequencing to compare the Salmonella strains isolated from patients to identify potential matches and narrow down the source.

Beyond the Numbers: Assessing Individual Risk

It’s important to understand that the risk of contracting Salmonella from oysters, while elevated during an outbreak, is still relatively low for most people. However, the higher hospitalization rate in this outbreak underscores the potential for severe illness. The CDC emphasizes that individuals in high-risk groups – young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems – should be particularly cautious and avoid consuming raw oysters altogether.

The concept of risk can be demanding to grasp. While 64 cases across 22 states sounds alarming, it’s essential to consider the vast number of oysters consumed daily. The CDC doesn’t currently provide a precise estimate of the overall risk, but the increased hospitalization rate suggests a more virulent strain or a higher level of contamination than typically seen.

Public Health Response and Future Steps

The ongoing investigation exemplifies the core functions of public health surveillance. The CDC’s National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS) plays a vital role in detecting and tracking foodborne illness outbreaks. When clusters of illnesses with similar characteristics are identified, investigations are launched to determine the source and implement control measures. CDC’s FoodNet is another key component, providing data on foodborne illnesses and tracking trends over time.

The FDA is responsible for regulating the safety of oysters and other seafood. The agency conducts inspections of oyster harvesting and processing facilities to ensure compliance with safety standards. However, gaps in the regulatory system and challenges in traceability continue to pose risks. The current outbreak may prompt a review of existing regulations and a push for improved traceability measures.

Looking ahead, the CDC and FDA will continue to investigate this outbreak, analyze data, and provide updates to the public. State and local health departments will continue to interview patients and collect samples for laboratory testing. Consumers are advised to stay informed about the outbreak and follow the CDC’s recommendations. If you suspect you have become ill after consuming raw oysters, contact your healthcare provider.

For further information and updates, please refer to the CDC’s dedicated webpage on this outbreak: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/oysters-12-25/index.html. Media inquiries can be directed to the CDC Media Relations team through their request form.