If you’ve enjoyed raw oysters lately—or were planning to for your New Year's celebrations — a recent CDC outbreak notice deserves your immediate attention. In Connecticut, where oysters are a coastal staple, staying informed is the best way to keep your family safe.
On December 23, 2025, the CDC reported an ongoing multistate outbreak of Salmonella Telelkebir infections. While the investigation is still ongoing and no formal recall has been issued yet, the evidence linking raw oysters is significant.
The Outbreak by the Numbers
The CDC is currently tracking a growing number of cases across the country:
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64 confirmed illnesses across 22 states.
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20 hospitalizations (nearly 1 in 3 cases).
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0 deaths reported to date.
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Illness Timeline: Cases began appearing in June 2025, with the most recent reported in late November.
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Why investigators are focused on oysters: 74% of sick individuals reported eating raw oysters in the week before falling ill—a rate far higher than the general population.
Connecticut Connection
While this is a national outbreak, it hits close to home. Local reporting from CT Insider indicates that at least two Connecticut residents have already fallen ill.
Because oysters are distributed through complex networks of restaurants and markets, a contaminated batch can end up on a plate anywhere. Even if you aren't eating oysters harvested locally the risk remains present while the source remains unidentified.
How to Stay Safe (Actionable Advice)
Until the CDC identifies the specific source or harvester responsible, the safest course of action is to avoid raw oysters entirely.
If you are a seafood lover, follow these CDC-backed safety tips:
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Cook Them Thoroughly: Heat kills Salmonella. Opt for fried, baked, broiled, or steamed oysters.
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Don't Rely on "Cures": Hot sauce, lemon juice, and alcohol do not kill the bacteria. They might add flavor, but they won't prevent infection.
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Watch for Cross-Contamination: Keep raw seafood and its juices far away from other foods in your kitchen. Wash all surfaces and utensils thoroughly after they have come into contact with raw shellfish.
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Know Your Risk: If you are over 65, under 5, or immunocompromised, the CDC strongly advises against consuming raw shellfish altogether, as you are at a significantly higher risk for severe illness.
Symptoms: When to Call a Doctor
Salmonella symptoms usually appear within 6 hours to 6 days of eating contaminated food. Most people recover in about a week, but you should contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
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A fever higher than 102°F.
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Bloody diarrhea or diarrhea lasting more than 3 days.
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Severe vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down.
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Dehydration (signs include dry mouth, dizziness, and infrequent urination).
How to Help: Report Suspected Illness
Reporting your illness is the fastest way for public health officials to "connect the dots" and stop the spread of the outbreak.
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Contact your local health department first if you believe you became ill from a specific restaurant or store.
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Unsure who to call? Contact the CT Department of Public Health Food Protection Program at (860) 509-7297.