(LEGAFI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to consumers advising them to not eat raw oysters from Washington State, which have been linked to three confirmed cases of illness caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria. A raw oyster recall has been initiated in 23 states and four foreign countries where Washington State authorities say the contaminated oysters have been shipped.

According to the FDA, raw oysters harvested from “growing area 4” in Hood Canal Washington from August 30 to September 19 have been linked to three confirmed and two possible cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus illness.  Vibrio illness causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea within a few hours and up to five days after consuming raw or undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish, or after ingesting surface waters.

People at risk for contracting Vibrio illness from the contaminated oysters include all those who consumed Washington oysters harvested from Hood Canal Area 4, either in Washington State or in a state they were distributed to. Individuals with weakened immune systems, including people affected by AIDS, chronic alcohol abuse, liver, stomach, or blood disorders, cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease can be more susceptible to Vibrio illness and should avoid eating raw oysters, regardless of where they are harvested.

There have been no reports of hospitalizations or deaths linked to the contaminated Washington oysters, but an oyster recall has been initiated in 23 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Utah, and Washington, and to the countries of China, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Consumers in these affected states who recently purchased oysters should ask the retailer, restaurant, or other facility about where these oysters came from. If the oysters were definitely or possibly harvested from Hood Canal Area 4 in Washington State, and have not yet been consumed, they should not be eaten. If the oysters were already consumed and no one became ill, no action is needed. If you develop a diarrheal illness within a week after consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, see your healthcare provider and inform the provider about this exposure.

Consumers seeking more information about the contaminated Washington Raw Oyster Recall should contact (888) INFO-FDA.