The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to restaurants and retailers about selling oysters harvested from a part of Washington state due to a norovirus outbreak.

Washington state is conducting a recall of shellstock oysters harvested from December 2, 2024 to December 17, 2024 by Ruco’s Shellfish from a portion of the state’s Hammersley Inlet area due to a norovirus outbreak. The oysters were distributed in Washington and Oregon and may have been distributed to other states as well, according to a Thursday advisory from the FDA.

The agency is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell the oysters and to dispose of them. The FDA is also advising consumers not to eat the oysters.

“The FDA is awaiting further information on the distribution of these oysters and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed,” the agency said.

The FDA says it will also update the safety alert if more information becomes available.

Norovirus, which is highly contagious, is one of the most common foodborne illnesses in the United States.

Oysters contaminated with norovirus can cause illness if eaten, and potentially severe illness in people with compromised immune systems. Food containing norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of illness should contact their healthcare provider and report their symptoms to their local Health Department. Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever may be associated with gastroenteritis infections caused by norovirus.