Island Health is warning the public not to consume herring eggs that were harvested from French Creek to Qualicum Bay.

There had been a case of people getting sick and treated from eating the herring eggs that are believed to be contaminated with vibrio cholerae, a bacteria that is rarely seen here on the Island.

Medical Health officer Dr. Shannon Waters said the bacteria was discovered after less than five people have been treated for intestinal infection.

B次元官网网址淧eople that were ill after eating herring eggs had presented to medical treatment and had two cultures done,B次元官网网址� said Waters. B次元官网网址淎nd those showed or proved vibrio cholerae bacteria. This isnB次元官网网址檛 something that has come up on lab reports in the past and the association with herring eggs hasnB次元官网网址檛 been seen before.B次元官网网址�

Waters said those who have become ill after eating herring eggs should go and seek medical treatment. The illness includes nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. She advised the public not to eat herring eggs that were collected from French Creek to Qualicum Bay area from kelp, seaweed or other surfaces.

B次元官网网址淲e have only seen cases from herring egg consumption from French Creek to Qualicum Bay,B次元官网网址� said Waters. B次元官网网址淕enerally speaking this is a First Nations traditional food and this is a traditional harvest that happened in that area. This seems like the source is a one-area issue. So for other communities in other parts of the Island we do not have the same B次元官网网址榙o not consume herring eggsB次元官网网址� advisory going out like we do for the Frenck Creek to Qualicum Bay harvested area.B次元官网网址�

An investigation into the vibrio cholerae infection cases is ongoing.

B次元官网网址淲e are looking into that,B次元官网网址� said Waters. B次元官网网址淚t is a concern. Where is it coming from? We are conducting marine water samples, doing testing on leftover herring eggs, and trying to get any ill patients to submit stool samples.B次元官网网址�

Island Health is collaborating with the First Nations Health Authority, BC Centre for Disease Control and First Nations communities in finding the source of the bacteria.

B次元官网网址淲hat we know is our marine environment is a valuable resource for food, travel and recreation, (and) is under a lot of pressure including sewage disposal, boat traffic, rising temperatures and this is certainly a sign that our health is connected to it,B次元官网网址� said Waters.

Some people donB次元官网网址檛 become ill and donB次元官网网址檛 know they have been infected. Health authorities are asking you to take the following precautions and actions:

B次元官网网址� Do not consume herring eggs harvested from French Creek to Qualicum Bay area from kelp, seaweed or other surfaces.

B次元官网网址� If you are ill, ensure you are drinking small amounts of fluid frequently to keep hydrated. Visit your physician or health centre 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 five days of onset of illness or caring for someone who became ill after eating herring eggs.

B次元官网网址� The bacteria can be passed from person to person, even if you donB次元官网网址檛 have symptoms. Always wash your hands well after going to the bathroom or caring for someone who has been ill.

B次元官网网址� 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).

B次元官网网址� Discard any extra stored herring eggs to avoid further illness. Freezing does not kill the bacteria.

B次元官网网址� When handling herring eggs, practice proper handwashing and sanitize dishes and equipment to avoid cross contamination.

B次元官网网址� 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 centre.

B次元官网网址� 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.

Learn more about safe fish and shellfish at and Vibrio cholerae infection at .