Health
Norovirus alert: FDA warns of contaminated raw oysters from Mexico
Raw oysters from certain parts of Mexico could be a source of norovirus, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning.
The agency has advised restaurants and retailers to stop selling and to dispose of oysters harvested from Bahia Salina, Sonora, Mexico — which were shipped by freight carrier Sociedad Acuicola GolPac on Dec. 18, Dec. 19 and Dec. 27, 2023.
Consumers are also advised against eating these oysters and to seek medical attention for any symptoms of norovirus.
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The alert is geared primarily toward California restaurants, retailers and consumers, although the FDA noted that the potentially contaminated oysters may have also been shipped to other states.
The FDA was first alerted to an outbreak of norovirus in San Diego County on Jan. 10, which was linked to oysters shipped from Mexico.
Raw oysters from certain parts of Mexico could be a source of norovirus, the FDA has warned. (iStock)
“An investigation is ongoing and the number of illnesses is being tracked,” the FDA’s alert said
“Mexican shellfish authorities have initiated an investigation into the source of the illnesses and have closed the Bahia Salina growing area to harvest on Jan. 12, 2024.”
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The contaminated oysters may “look, smell and taste normal,” but can cause illness if eaten raw, particularly among those with compromised immune systems, the agency said.
Dr. Edward Liu, chief of infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in New Jersey, told Fox News Digital that it is likely the oysters grew in contaminated water.
“This virus is more common in colder months and can infect large groups of people due to its highly contagious nature,” he said.
The FDA warned that the contaminated oysters may “look, smell and taste normal” — but can cause illness if they are eaten raw. (iStock)
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, pointed out that the biggest problem is that people tend to eat oysters raw, which leads to the highest amount of norovirus if contaminated.
“I would pay very careful attention to these alerts and avoid all oysters coming from these areas in Mexico,” he told Fox News Digital.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While it is often referred to as a “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” it is not related to influenza.
Primary symptoms of the virus include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain.
Some people may also experience fever, headache and body aches.
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Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration for some patients.
“The treatment is supportive with hydration until the symptoms improve,” said Liu of New Jersey. “The most vulnerable people are the very young or old or immunocompromised, who can’t tolerate dehydration.”
Based on electron microscopic (EM) imagery, this illustration provides a three-dimensional (3D) and graphical representation of a number of norovirus virions, set against a black background. (CDC/Jessica A. Allen)
Symptoms typically develop within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and tend to subside within one to three days, the CDC stated.
Newer stool tests (PCR-based tests) can detect the virus and may be available in hospital emergency rooms and some physician offices, Liu noted, but older stool cultures will not detect the virus.
“The most vulnerable people are the very young or old or immunocompromised.”
“Outbreaks have happened due to contaminated food and are more common in certain settings, like cruise ships and patient facilities,” he said.
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To prevent the spread of the disease, Lui stressed the importance of good hand hygiene and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces.
“Careful handwashing and use of gloves can help food handlers from catching it or passing it along,” Siegel added.
People who experience symptoms of illness after consuming oysters should seek medical attention and report their symptoms to their local health department, the FDA advised.
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As winter weather moves in, cozy essentials like scarves, plush throws and heated bedding become everyday comforts.
But dermatologists caution that these cold-weather favorites can secretly undermine skin health — trapping sweat and bacteria, causing irritation and exposing the skin to excess heat.
Choosing the right materials for wellness — and using them safely — can make a big difference.
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Here are five winter must-haves and gift ideas, with expert tips on how to keep skin healthy and happy while staying warm this season.
Soft scarf, $19.99, Amazon.com
Scarves made of natural fiber, like this one that is 100% cotton, may help if you’re prone to irritation. (Amazon)
A soft scarf is a staple for cold days and an easy way to elevate a winter outfit.
Yet, if breakouts are appearing along the neck, jawline or chest, that favorite accessory may be part of the problem.
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“You should wash your scarf as often as your clothes to prevent breakouts,” Annabelle Taurua, a beauty expert at Fresha, a beauty and wellness booking platform headquartered in London, told Fox News Digital.
Cotton is a better choice than polyester, she also noted, as it’s more breathable and allows sweat to evaporate.
Fluffy blankets, $28.97, Potterybarn.com
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin — which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth. (Pottery Barn)
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin, which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth.
Rough textures or infrequent washing can also irritate sensitive skin and worsen breakouts.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“Regularly wash your blankets, especially those made from synthetic or fluffy materials, to remove built-up oils and dirt,” Taurua advised.
She recommended breathable materials like cotton or linen, as well as hypoallergenic options for anyone prone to irritation.
Good set of sheets, $49.99, Amazon.com
Much like scarves, natural fibers are the way to go for your linens to avoid irritation. (iStock)
Cold weather makes lingering in bed especially tempting, but lying on unwashed bedding can worsen acne.
Pillowcases and sheets quickly collect oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, which transfer directly onto the face.
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“Washing bedding frequently is important,” Taurua said. “You should aim to change and wash your pillowcases every two to three days and your sheets at least once a week.”
Heated blanket, $33.99, Walmart.com
Heated blankets are a great way to stay warm during the winter. (Walmart)
When using a heated blanket, start with the lowest heat setting and limit use, said Taurua.
“Once you’re warm, switch to a regular blanket,” she advised.
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She also said it’s best to avoid direct contact for long periods to reduce irritation.
Hot water bottle, $12.99, Amazon.com
A traditional winter staple, hot water bottles offer quick comfort — but they come with risks similar to heated blankets, including burns, scalding and long-term heat-related skin damage.
Hot water bottles should never be filled with boiling water, experts advise. (Amazon)
“Never fill a hot water bottle with boiling water,” Taurua said.
“Only use hot, not boiling, water, and fill it to a maximum of two-thirds.”
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She recommended wrapping the bottle in a towel or cover to avoid direct skin contact and limiting use to around 20 minutes.
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Comedian Amy Schumer, 44, has recently come clean about her struggle with Cushing’s syndrome, leading to a dramatic weight loss.
Schumer’s transformation has sparked conversation online, to which she responded in a now-deleted Instagram post that shut down speculation about cosmetic enhancements.
“I didn’t lose 30lbs — I lost 50,” she emphasized on social media, adding that she does not get Botox or filler.
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Schumer doubled down that her weight loss was not about her appearance, but about staying alive.
“Not to look hot, which does feel fun and temporary,” she said. “I did it to survive. I had a disease that makes your face extremely puffy that can kill you, but the internet caught it and that disease has cleared.”
Amy Schumer attends Variety’s 2024 Power of Women: New York event on May 2, 2024, in New York City on the left. On the right, Schumer later poses for a photo posted to Instagram after her weight loss. (Marleen Moise/WireImage; Amy Schumer/Instagram)
“Sorry for whatever feeling it’s giving you that I lost that weight,” she added. “I’ve had plastic surgery over the years and I use [Mounjaro]. Sorry to anyone they let down. I’m pain free. I can [play] tag with my son.”
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The actress also addressed her shifting hormones, saying that she’s “happy to share more if anyone has any questions about how I’m looking or feeling or where I am in my perimenopause process.”
“I didn’t lose 30lbs — I lost 50,” Schumer emphasized on social media, adding that she does not get Botox or filler. (Amy Schumer/Instagram)
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Schumer previously revealed that she had been diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal disorder that can cause extreme swelling, fatigue and potentially fatal complications.
Dr. Peter Balazs, a hormone and weight loss specialist in New Jersey, provided more details on the condition in an interview with Fox News Digital.
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“Cushing’s syndrome is caused by prolonged, high exposure to cortisol, which is your body’s main stress hormone,” he said. “Usually, the excess cortisol is a result of prolonged steroid use. We see this many times with patients who have some autoimmune disorder.”
Balazs said the “key” to Cushing’s syndrome is not just weight gain, but a “specific redistribution” of fat caused by too much cortisol.
Amy Schumer is photographed during a guest interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Feb. 13, 2024 (left), and later seen walking through midtown New York City on Oct. 28, 2025 (right). (Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images; Raymond Hall/GC Images/Getty Images)
Fat may be driven to the abdomen, chest, upper back (referred to as a “buffalo hump”) or face, sometimes considered “moon face,” the doctor said.
Cortisol also breaks down protein, which leads to a thinning in the arms and legs. “Weight gain can be tough, involuntary and hard to manage,” Balazs added.
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Cortisol stimulates “hunger centers” in the brain, raises blood sugar and promotes fat storage, especially deep belly fat, according to the doctor.
Cushing’s syndrome can also cause high blood pressure, bone loss and sometimes type 2 diabetes, per Mayo Clinic.
In addition to weight gain in certain areas, other symptoms may include pink or purple stretch marks on the stomach, hips, thighs, breasts and underarms, as well as acne, slow wound healing, and thin, frail skin that bruises easily.
With Cushing’s syndrome, fat may accumulate in the abdomen, chest, face or upper back (referred to as a “buffalo hump”). (iStock)
Women with Cushing’s syndrome often experience thick, dark hair on the face and body, as well as irregular periods. Symptoms among men can include a lower sex drive, reduced fertility and erectile dysfunction.
Mayo Clinic listed other potential symptoms, including extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, trouble with concentration and memory, headache, sleeplessness, skin darkening and stunted growth in children.
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Those with symptoms should contact their doctor immediately, especially if they are taking steroids to treat health issues like asthma, arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, as these medications can exacerbate the condition.
The Mayo Clinic has reported that the “sooner treatment starts, the better the chances for recovery.”
“I’ve had plastic surgery over the years and I use [Mounjaro],” Schumer stated in a social media post. (George Frey/Bloomberg)
For patients like Schumer, weight loss is typically not the main goal, Balazs noted, but it is a “critical sign” of successful treatment.
“The primary goal is to normalize your high cortisol levels,” he said. “I believe Amy Schumer got treated first for her underlying problem. Once the cortisol is normalized, which is the most important step, there’s a role to use adjunct medications to decrease weight.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Among GLP-1s, Mounjaro is an “excellent choice to decrease deep belly fat and increase insulin sensitivity of cells,” Balazs added.
Fox News Digital’s Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this report.
Fox News Digital reached out to Schumer’s rep requesting comment.
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