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 cholera 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.
UPDATE - March 29, 2018
The First Nations Health Authority and Island Health investigation regarding Vibrio cholera bacteria associated with eating herring eggs (eggs laid in the marine environment) is still ongoing.
Harvesters are reminded to check area closures prior to harvesting bivalves to prevent illness.
Please be advised:
• Herring and herring roe (harvested directly from fish) are still considered safe to consume.
• Do not consume herring eggs harvested from French Creek to Qualicum Bay area from kelp, seaweed or other surfaces.
• If you are ill, ensure you are drinking small amounts of fluid frequently to keep hydrated. Visit your physician or health center to ensure treatment and confirmation of the cause of illness. Let your health care provider know if you have eaten raw or lightly-cooked herring eggs within 5 days of onset of illness or caring for someone who became ill after eating herring eggs.
• Discard any extra stored herring eggs harvested within French Creek to Qualicum Bay area to avoid further illness. Freezing does not kill the bacteria.
• When handling herring eggs, practice proper handwashing and sanitize dishes and equipment to avoid cross contamination.
Learn more about safe fish and shellfish at http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/fish-shellfish-safety and Vibrio cholerae infection at www.cdc.gov/cholera/index.html.
Find more information on Food Safety for First Nations communities at:
http://www.fnha.ca/wellness/wellness-for-first-nations/environmental-health-and-safety/food-safety. Advice on symptoms can also be obtained by calling BC HealthLink at 811.
UPDATE - March 26, 2018
No new lab-confirmed illnesses related to Vibrio cholera infection have been reported to Island Health since the public communication last week. The investigation regarding the specific type of Vibrio cholera bacteria is still ongoing. The Department of Fisheries has issued a closure notice to herring egg harvest in the area where illness has been reported.
Dr. Dee Hoyano
Island Health
Medical Health Officer
First Nations Health and Fisheries Leads,
Re: Illness associated with herring eggs – Vancouver Island
The First Nations Health Authority and Island Health are warning the public following confirmed cases of Vibrio cholerae infection associated with eating herring eggs. The bacteria can be found in the aquatic environment and can cause intestinal illness after eating contaminated foods. Illness may include mild to severe nausea, vomiting, and very severe watery diarrhea. Some people don’t become ill and don’t know they have been infected. Health authorities are asking you to take the following precautions and actions:
- Do not consume herring eggs harvested from French Creek to Qualicum Bay area from kelp, seaweed or other surfaces.
- If you are ill, ensure you are drinking small amounts of fluid frequently to keep hydrated. Visit your physician or health center to ensure treatment and confirmation of the cause of illness. Letyour health care provider know if you have eaten raw or lightly-cooked herring eggs within 5
days of onset of illness or caring for someone who became ill after eating herring eggs. - The bacteria can be passed from person to person, even if you don’t have symptoms. Always wash your hands well after going to the bathroom or caring for someone who has been ill.
- If you have stored herring eggs, please call First Nations Health Authority Environmental Public Health Services at 250-924- 6125. Samples are being requested for testing (keep cold and in original packaging).
- Discard any extra stored herring eggs to avoid further illness. Freezing does not kill the bacteria.
- When handling herring eggs, practice proper handwashing and sanitize dishes and equipment to avoid cross contamination.
- Ensure other community members who may have received herring eggs are aware of these precautions and actions. If they are ill, we request that they be in contact with their physician or Health Center.
- A sanitary shellfish closure exists for bivalves in the French Creek/Qualicum Bay area. Harvesters are reminded to check area closures prior to harvesting bivalves to prevent illness.
The investigation into the Vibrio cholerae infection cases is ongoing and in collaboration with BC Center for Disease Control and First Nations communities. This includes the testing of marine water samples, leftover food samples, clinical samples and assessing the handling and distribution of the harvested
product.
This is a unique situation and as more information becomes available it will be shared. Implications on future harvesting is unclear at this time. Any future advice or recommendations will be made in partnership with First Nations communities.
Learn more about safe fish and shellfish at http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/fish-shellfish-safety and Vibrio cholerae infection at www.cdc.gov/cholera/index.html.
Find more information on Food Safety for First Nations communities at:
http://www.fnha.ca/wellness/wellness-for-first-nations/environmental-health-and-safety/food-safety. Advice on symptoms can also be obtained by calling BC HealthLink at 811.
Sincerely,
First Nations Health Authority
Dr. Helena Swinkels
Island Health
Dr. Shannon Waters