Research Article
Epidemic of gastroenteritis caused by oysters contaminated with small round structured viruses.
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1983; 287 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.287.6404.1532 (Published 19 November 1983) Cite this as: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1983;287:1532
- O N Gill,
- W D Cubitt,
- D A McSwiggan,
- B M Watney,
- C L Bartlett
Abstract
A large outbreak of viral gastroenteritis occurred in which oysters eaten raw were the vehicle of infection. Laboratory findings indicated that a small round structured virus was the infecting agent. Adults of all ages were equally susceptible to infection with the virus. Investigation cast doubt on the efficacy of depuration as a method for rendering oysters free of virus, and hence the public should be warned of the hazard of eating raw shellfish.