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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Necropsy-based Wild Fish Health Assessment
Published on: September 11, 2018
Seafood-associated disease outbreaks in New York, 1980-1994
B J Wallace1, J J Guzewich, M Cambridge
1Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12237, USA. bjw07@health.state.ny.us
Seafood outbreaks in New York from 1980-1994 were primarily caused by shellfish and finfish. Prevention efforts should target shellfish-associated viral gastroenteritis and finfish-associated scombroid poisoning.
Area of Science:
- Foodborne illness epidemiology
- Public health surveillance
- Seafood safety
Background:
- Examined seafood-associated disease outbreaks in New York to understand epidemiology.
- Aimed to identify key areas for effective prevention and control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of seafood-associated disease outbreaks in New York.
- To pinpoint specific areas for improved prevention and control measures.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) reports of seafood-associated outbreaks.
- Analyzed data from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1994.
Main Results:
- 339 outbreaks reported, causing 3959 illnesses, 76 hospitalizations, and 4 deaths.
- Shellfish caused 64% of outbreaks; finfish caused 31%.
- Norwalk virus and scombrotoxin were leading agents; Clostridium botulinum and Vibrio vulnificus caused deaths.
Conclusions:
- Reducing seafood outbreaks requires coordinated efforts across agencies (water quality, surveillance, consumer education, industry).
- Focus prevention on shellfish-associated viral gastroenteritis and finfish-associated scombroid poisoning.
- Target interventions at commercial food establishments and catered events where seafood consumption led to outbreaks.
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