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Louisiana shuts down easternmost oyster harvesting areas, recalls mollusks • Louisiana Illuminator

Published

3 months ago

February 5, 2025

Staff Editor

lailluminator.com – Louisiana Illuminator – 2025-02-05 06:01:00

Louisiana shuts down easternmost oyster harvesting areas, recalls mollusks

by Louisiana Illuminator, Louisiana Illuminator
February 5, 2025

The Louisiana Department of Health has closed down oyster harvesting in the area east of Lake Borgne and issued a recall for any catch taken from the area since Jan. 10.

State officials say 15 people have become ill with a “norovirus-like” illness after eating oysters from Area 3, which includes the area north of Eloi Bay, the Chandeleur Islands and surrounding marshes. The recall includes shucked, frozen, breaded, post-harvest processed and oysters on the half-shell.

According to the health department, the people who became ill ate at unnamed New Orleans restaurants from Jan. 15-31. Their illnesses were not life-threatening, but two people had to be hospitalized and have since been discharged.

Officials noted all oysters harvested outside Area 3 and all other Louisiana seafood statewide are safe for consumption.

Norovirus is the virus that causes the “stomach flu,” with symptoms that can include nausea, cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Some people report a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and general fatigue from norovirus. The illness is usually brief, with symptoms lasting a day or two.

Contaminated oysters are not the only culprit for norovirus. Health officials said it can be contracted by eating food or drinking liquids contaminated by infected food handlers. Cooking kills the virus, but other outbreaks have occurred from eating undercooked oysters harvested from contaminated waters.

The Area 3 closure is expected to be in place for at least 21 days, the health department said. Its staff has notified local oyster harvesters who work in the affected area and the Louisiana Oyster Task Force.

The area will be reopened as soon as its oysters meet Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) standards, a determination the state Office of Public Health’s Molluscan Shellfish Program makes.

The process of decontamination solely involves nature, as oyster waters are cleaned by the natural cycle of tides. Oysters are filter feeders and can accumulate contaminants and microorganisms, which can in turn affect people who eat raw or under-processed contaminated oysters.

Anyone who suspects they have become ill from contaminated oysters is asked to contact their regional state epidemiologist or submit a report at https://redcap.link/oysterillnesses.

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Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com.

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

More rain and thunderstorms expected Saturday

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WDSU News – 2025-05-03 09:43:36

SUMMARY: More rain and thunderstorms are expected on Saturday, with a small chance of strong storms producing gusty winds or hail. A stationary front will bring rain in the afternoon, clearing by evening, leaving cooler, less humid conditions for Sunday. Temperatures will be in the 50s on the North Shore and near 60 in the metro area, with a breezy, comfortable day ahead. The upcoming week will bring a better chance for rain, especially on Wednesday and Thursday, as a cold front approaches. The Kentucky Derby may experience scattered rain but no severe weather expected.

More rain and thunderstorms expected Saturday

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

‘The Light Switch’ Episode 4: Risk and rewards from the Angola Prison Rodeo

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2025

Staff Editor

lailluminator.com – Louisiana Illuminator – 2025-05-03 05:00:00

by Louisiana Illuminator, Louisiana Illuminator
May 3, 2025

This week’s episode of “The Light Switch” focuses entirely on the Angola Prison Rodeo, now in its 60th year at Louisiana State Penitentiary.

While the rest of the state is deep into its unofficial festival season, about 75 incarcerated men take part in a rodeo that’s not your traditional apple pie, bucking broncos and fancy horses event.

Its critics describe it more like a sordid gladiator exhibition from peak Roman Empire times. They say this exploitation of inmates reflects outdated views on incarceration in Louisiana, a state where more than 1,000 of every 100,000 residents are behind bars according to the Promise of Justice Initiative.

But the rodeo also has its supporters – and some of the most ardent are the inmates who are part of the show. Reporter Piper Hutchinson attended the event last month and heard why they see the rodeo as a key part of positive prison culture. Read more about her visit to “The Wildest Show in the South.”

There are two ways to listen to “The Light Switch” …

Spotify (listen below on the embedded player or use this link)

Apple (listen with the embedded player or use this link)

The post ‘The Light Switch’ Episode 4: Risk and rewards from the Angola Prison Rodeo appeared first on lailluminator.com

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

The content of this article presents both sides of the issue surrounding the Angola Prison Rodeo, offering perspectives from both critics and supporters, including the inmates who participate. The tone of the article is neutral, providing factual details about the rodeo’s history and the contrasting views on its ethical implications. The language used does not overtly favor one side over the other, and the content mainly seeks to inform the audience about the ongoing debate without pushing a clear ideological stance. The article succeeds in portraying multiple viewpoints, making it a balanced and factual report on a complex issue.

News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Be prepared for severe storms later today

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – KSAT 12 – 2025-05-02 10:06:20

SUMMARY: Be prepared for severe storms later today, especially in San Antonio. Rain chances are low until after lunch but will rise by early afternoon with storms forming in the Hill Country. By late afternoon and evening, there’s about a 70% chance of rain, continuing through midnight. The storms are driven by fronts from the north, ample moisture, and upper-level energy, leading to potential strong to severe storms with gusty winds, hail, and localized flooding. Tornado risk is low but present. Tomorrow will be cooler with lingering clouds, dry conditions, and temperatures around 79°F. More storms are possible next week.