Richmond, VA – According to the state officials, shellfish taken from the area affected by the emergency closure are currently unacceptable for consumption because these waters can be contaminated with pollutants such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses.
Ingesting shellfish taken from the closed areas at this time could cause gastrointestinal illnesses including Norovirus, Hepatitis A and Shigellosis.
In addition, the Virginia Department of Health urges the public to minimize exposure to the water by rinsing or washing items that come into contact with the water, including fishing gear, life vests, ropes and paddles.
A map of the affected area is posted here.
The affected shellfish are filter-feeding bivalve mollusks including oysters and clams, but not crabs or fin fish.
