| May 14 Update: Update on Illnesses Associated with Herring Eggs on Vancouver Island In March 2018 a small cluster of people were confirmed, by lab testing, to have Vibrio cholerae infections associated with consumption of herring eggs harvested in the French Creek and Qualicum Bay areas. Community members were advised to not consume herring eggs harvested from those areas, and further harvesting of herring eggs from those areas was halted for the season. There were no other lab-confirmed cases after these actions were taken. The investigation of these infections found that the strain of Vibrio cholerae identified does not frequently cause illnesses in people, is not the type transmitted by human waste and is not spread between people. When illness associated with this Vibrio cholerae strain does occur, it is usually associated with shellfish consumption. Investigations are ongoing to understand the factors that may have contributed to these cases, but at this time it does not appear to be related to a human sewage spill. While this is the first time this type of Vibrio cholerae has been identified in a cluster of infections in B. C., it has appeared intermittently in Pacific coastal waters in the U. S. and Canada. We are working with partners to determine if testing or other factors will help us understand any future risk for seafood contamination. Traditional foods from the sea are important to many First Nations in B. C. from a cultural and nutritional perspective. We are working with First Nations communities to better understand the impact of this event on traditional food harvests, and share knowledge on how to approach future harvest seasons. There is always a risk associated with eating raw seafood. Cold storage of seafood at temperatures less than 4°C from time of harvest until consumption and/or cooking is recommended. Where possible thorough cooking of seafood can also decrease the risk of food-borne illness. Learn more about safe fish and shellfish at www.bccdc.ca/health-info/food-your-health/fish-shellfish and Vibrio cholerae infections at https://www.cdc.gov/vibrio/index.html Find more information on Food Safety for First Nations communities at: www.fnha.ca/wellness/wellness-for-first-nations/environmental-health-and-safety/food-safety. |
| April 6 Update: Illness Associated With Herring Eggs – Vancouver Island: The First Nations Health Authority and Island Health would like to confirm that Vibrio cholerae bacteria has been found in both herring eggs and water samples collected in the French Creek area and Qualicum Bay closure areas. There have been no further confirmed cases of Vibrio cholerae infection and there are no changes to the current fishery harvest area closures. While lab identified Vibrio cholerae infection is rare on the West Coast, viruses and bacteria are a known risk from eating raw seafood. It is unknown if the finding of Vibrio cholerae bacteria in the area will have any implications to future harvesting. FNHA and Island Health is continuing the investigation with First Nations and agency partners. Additional information will be shared when available with all partners and the public. Please note, for safe disposal of herring eggs harvested from the French Creek and Qualicum Bay areas, it is recommended that frozen herring eggs be disposed of securely in a garbage can until regular garbage pick-up. Do not feed to pets or animals. |