Five more people sickened in connection with raw B.C. shellfish

VANCOUVER – Five new cases of illness connected to raw-shellfish consumption have been reported in British Columbia.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says 53 people have been sickened in B.C. and another 19 in neighbouring Alberta since June 1.

It says the majority of cases have been linked to raw oysters, which likely contained a naturally occurring bacteria that’s present during increased water temperatures.

One person has been hospitalized, although public health says symptoms typically last only three days to a week and don’t require treatment.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has recalled oysters harvested from B.C. coastal waters.

The health agency says the overall risk to Canadians is low and can be avoided if shellfish are cooked before being eaten.