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Don't eat crab meat from Venezuela, CDC and FDA warn amid multistate outbreak

Health officials are warning against eating crab meat from Venezuela, as it's been tied to diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease and Control said fresh crab meat from Venezuela carries a bacteria known as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which has infected at least 12 people across the country, as of Friday. At least four people have been hospitalized.

Infected people were found in Maryland, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.

The crab meat is commonly found in plastic tubs and might be labeled as “pre-cooked.” The product can be served chilled or reheated.

Symptoms, which usually develop after 24 hours, of Vibrio parahaemolyticus include watery and sometimes bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, nausea, fever and stomach pain.

Officials are advising consumers to ask restaurants and grocery stores where their crab meat is from before buying it. Retailers should not be selling the infected meat. Officials also advise restaurants and retailers to be aware that meat carrying the bacteria could contaminate other food and workspaces. Hands and utensils should be sanitized frequently.

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