Possible Illness Outbreak at P.E.I. International Shellfish Festival, According to Chief Public Health Officer

The recent illness outbreak that has affected numerous individuals in Prince Edward Island is believed to be linked to the popular P.E.I. International Shellfish Festival, according to the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO).

The festival, which attracts thousands of visitors each year to celebrate the island’s world-renowned shellfish industry, has come under scrutiny after reports of attendees falling ill with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

CPHO has stated that preliminary investigations point to a possible contamination of shellfish served at the festival as the source of the outbreak. Samples of the shellfish have been collected for testing to confirm the presence of any harmful bacteria or viruses.

In response to the outbreak, festival organizers have taken immediate action to ensure the safety of attendees, including implementing enhanced food safety protocols and conducting thorough sanitation measures. They have also cooperated fully with health officials to assist in the investigation.

As the investigation continues, health authorities are urging anyone who attended the P.E.I. International Shellfish Festival and experienced symptoms of illness to seek medical attention and report their symptoms to their local health department.

The outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety measures at large-scale events and the potential risks associated with consuming contaminated shellfish. The CPHO is working diligently to identify the source of the outbreak and prevent further cases of illness.