With the increase in the number of picnics, clambakes and seafood consumption in warm weather, the Nassau County Department of Health reminds residents that eating shellfish such as clams, oysters and mussels may cause a health risk. The department advises residents to refrain from eating raw or undercooked shellfish.

Shellfish may carry many different bacteria and viruses which are destroyed only by cooking thoroughly by boiling or baking. Steaming shellfish lightly may not completely kill the organisms. Eating raw or undercooked shellfish, such as mussels, clams or oysters, can result in a variety of infections ranging from mild to moderate gastrointestinal illnesses, such as Norwalk virus infection, to diseases of the liver, such as Hepatitis A, or to diseases such as Vibrio vulnificus infection, which are very serious and sometimes fatal, in particular to people with prior liver disease.

Individuals with diabetes, alcoholism, those with low gastric acid, those using antacids on a routine basis or those with compromised immune systems are also at higher risk than the general public.

Persons who suffer diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever or other gastrointestinal symptoms after eating raw or undercooked clams, oysters or other shellfish should immediately contact their physicians and the Health Department at 571-3680.

Symptoms may appear anywhere from one day to up to six weeks after consuming the raw or undercooked shellfish.