Raw Oysters Linked to Ongoing Salmonella Outbreak, CDC Reports Multistate Illnesses

Washington, D.C.; December 29th, 2025.

Federal health officials have confirmed that raw oysters are linked to an ongoing multistate outbreak of Salmonella infection, according to an official public health investigation released by the CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. The agency reported that dozens of illnesses have been identified across nearly half of the United States, with cases continuing to be monitored as the investigation remains active.

In its most recent update, the CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION stated that 64 people have been confirmed sick with the same strain of Salmonella across 22 states. Among those cases, 20 hospitalizations have been reported. The agency stated that no deaths have been confirmed at this time. Illness onset dates range from June 21st through November 28th, 2025.

According to information released by the CDC, epidemiologic interviews conducted with affected individuals indicate that a substantial majority reported consuming raw oysters in the days prior to becoming ill. The agency stated that this proportion was significantly higher than what is typically expected in the general population, leading investigators to identify raw oysters as the likely vehicle of infection.

The CDC reported that cases have been identified in multiple regions of the country, including states along the East Coast, Gulf Coast, and West Coast. The agency noted that outbreak case counts often represent an undercount of the true number of illnesses, as not all individuals who become sick seek medical care or undergo laboratory testing, and because public health investigations require time to link illnesses to a common source.

Federal officials stated that the investigation is ongoing and that the CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION is working in coordination with the U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION and state health departments to determine whether a specific harvest area or distributor can be identified. As of the most recent update, the CDC stated that no recall has been issued.

The CDC reiterated that raw oysters can carry harmful bacteria, including Salmonella, because shellfish filter large volumes of water and can accumulate pathogens present in their environment. The agency stated that contamination cannot be detected by smell, taste, or appearance, and that adding lemon juice, hot sauce, or alcohol does not reliably kill bacteria.

According to the CDC, Salmonella infection commonly causes symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically beginning between 6 hours and 6 days after exposure. Most people recover within several days; however, the agency stated that certain populations, including older adults, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are more likely to experience severe illness and require hospitalization.

The CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION advised that cooking oysters thoroughly is the most effective way to reduce the risk of illness. The agency stated that consumers who choose to eat oysters should ensure they are fully cooked and should avoid consuming raw shellfish while the investigation remains active.

Public health officials emphasized that outbreak investigations are complex and ongoing by nature, involving laboratory analysis, patient interviews, and food supply tracing, and that additional information may become available as the investigation continues.

Sources

Primary First-Hand Sources
• CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, official outbreak investigation and public health advisories regarding Salmonella infections linked to raw oysters, December 2025.