The Texas Department of Health (TDH) announced today that all fresh oysters harvested from Galveston Bay and shipped for raw consumption since May 27 are being recalled.

Last Friday oyster leaseholders agreed to stop harvesting oysters from Galveston Bay and to recall in-the-shell oysters already harvested from seven of the bay's 43
commercial lease sites. In a meeting with TDH today in La Marque, the leaseholders agreed to recall oysters taken from throughout the bay and shipped for raw consumption.

TDH is investigating an outbreak of diarrheal illness caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus and linked to the consumption of raw oysters from the bay. Some 128 suspected cases of the bacterial illness have been reported in June.

Oysters harvested and shipped for cooking are not included in the recall. Health
officials advise that people only eat oysters from the bay that have been thoroughly cooked.

Shipping records indicate that the recalled oysters have been shipped to locations in at least six states: Texas, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Florida and Louisiana. Some 18 of the 128 cases of the illness recorded so far are in Florida. The other 110 cases are in Texas.

Officials say it is not unusual for Vibrio parahaemolyticus to be found in raw oysters but usually at levels that do not cause health problems. The bacteria naturally occur in marine coastal waters year-round but are more abundant in warm weather.

Symptoms include watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever and headache. The incubation period varies from four to 30 hours. The illness usually lasts from one to seven days. The illness is rarely fatal, but can be life-threatening to persons who have liver problems or weakened immune systems.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms for 24 hours or longer is advised to contact a physician. As part of its investigation, TDH is asking anyone who has eaten seafood one or two days prior to experiencing symptoms of the illness to call
1-888-883-9997.

In light of unseasonably high temperatures, exceeding 100 in parts of the state,
the Texas Department of Health has issued a list of precautions people can take to
reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

--Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle during hot weather.

--Drink plenty of fluids, such as water and juices, and avoid beverages which
contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar.

--Plan strenuous outdoor activities for early or late in the day when it is cooler;
then gradually build up tolerance for warmer conditions.

--Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible unless
your heat tolerance is well-established. If air-conditioning is not available,
pull shades over windows and use fans to cool rooms. Open windows on opposite
sides of a room for cross-ventilation.

--Take frequent breaks when working outdoors.

--Eat more frequently but make sure meals are well-balanced and light.

--Consult with a physician to determine the effects of sun and heat exposure while
taking prescription medications such as diuretics, antihistamines or mood-altering
or antispasmodic drugs.

--Avoid bundling babies in heavy blankets or heavy clothing.

--Check frequently on ill or elderly friends, relatives and neighbors who may need
help.

--At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps),
move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage.
Seek medical attention immediately if conditions do not improve.

--Wear sun block to protect skin from sun's harmful rays.

The good news is that most stomach ulcers now can be cured! The bad news is that many ulcer sufferers have not heard the good news.

Since 1982, when the bacterium Helicobacter pylori was revealed as the main cause of ulcers of the stomachs and small intestines in people, physicians routinely have been able to treat--and cure--about 90 percent of all stomach ulcers with antibiotics.

However, before the discovery of H. pylori, the major causes of stomach ulcers werebelieved to be spicy foods, stomach acid, stress, alcohol and a variety of lifestyle factors. And many people have not learned the newest information. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched a nationwide public information effort, in partnership with other government agencies, educators and private industry, to teach the public about H. pylori, its diagnosis, treatment and cure. The Texas Department of Health (TDH) is among the agencies participating in the campaign.

Dr. Kate Hendricks, director of the TDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, said that even some physicians and health care personnel have been slow in urging patients who might have H. pylori infections to be tested for the bacteria. There are several kinds of tests that can confirm such an infection, ranging from a simple breath test to more extensive exams.

If the tests confirm H. pylori infection, the physician can prescribe antibiotics and an accompanying antacid medicine which usually can cure the infection, including any stomach or upper intestinal ulcers in one to two weeks.

Hendricks said, "The U.S. public is accustomed to treating conditions described as acid indigestion, sour stomach and other discomforts by taking over-the-counter antacid pills and liquids. A person with ulcers may have burning pain in the upper abdomen, frequently when the stomach is empty between meals and before breakfast."

The pain may last from minutes to hours and may be relieved by antacid pills or snacks. In severe cases, the patient may suffer nausea, loss of appetite and internal bleeding. Unless their symptoms are severe or long-lasting, many patients fail to tell their physicians. Many--perhaps most--of these people may unknowingly be infected with H. pylori, Hendricks explained. She said that researchers are still looking for the common sources of H. pylori infections, and have yet to recommend ways to avoid infection. "Beyond urging people always to eat properly prepared and handled foods and always to drink water that is known to be safe, we have no steadfast advice on prevention." she said.

About two-thirds of the world's population is infected with the bacteria, although the majority of those infected seldom feel symptoms. In the U.S., the microbes are most often found among older adults, blacks, Hispanics and low-income groups.

The long-term consequences of H. pylori infections are still being studied. Beyond chronic pains, ulcers and stomach inflammation, there is some evidence that stomach cancer may be linked to long-term H. pylori infection. Stomach cancer is the second most common cancer world-wide, and is most common in countries such as Colombia and China, where the bacterium infects more than half of the population in early childhood. In the U.S., where H. pylori is less common in young people, stomach cancer rates have decreased since the 1930s.

(For more information, contact Kate Hendricks, M.D., Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, at 512-458-7328; or David Vaughan, Communications Division, at 512-458-7400.)