Officials in Southern California are cautioning individuals against consuming raw oysters from specific regions in Mexico due to a recent outbreak of norovirus, which has affected over 200 people.

The Department of Public Health in Los Angeles County has documented over 150 potential cases of a stomach-related illness associated with consuming raw oysters. Meanwhile, in San Diego County, health authorities announced on Thursday that they have identified 69 definite and possible cases. Additional instances have been reported in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.

On January 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a preliminary warning about oysters from a specific location in the Mexican state of Sonora, situated along the Gulf of California. This warning was partially based on the results of an inquiry performed by health officials in San Diego County.

The FDA released a new warning on Wednesday regarding oysters harvested from two locations in Baja California, Mexico – Laguna De Guerrero Negro and Laguna Manuela on the Pacific Coast. Additionally, they added a second harvest location, Estero Morua, to their previous advisory for Sonora.

The California Department of Public Health issued a caution to consumers regarding raw oysters from certain areas that may be infected with norovirus. This virus can result in diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach discomfort. Additional symptoms may include fever, headaches, and body aches, according to the FDA.

According to a statement from San Diego County, health authorities are advising restaurants to dispose of any oysters that have been imported from Mexico due to concerns about illness associated with a growing number of harvest locations and the possibility of additional sites being affected.

Both restaurant customers and individuals who purchased oysters from stores and consumed them at home were affected by the norovirus.

It is recommended that individuals inquire about the origins of oysters before eating them and to thoroughly wash their hands and any surfaces that may have come into contact with potentially tainted oysters.

According to the county’s statement, none of the affected oysters have been sent to food establishments in San Diego from the implicated locations since their harvest in December.