Louisiana Oyster Bed Reopening 3 Weeks After Virus Closure

The Louisiana state health department says a Terrebonne Parish oyster bed that was closed May 8 because of a norovirus outbreak reopened.

State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry and Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce Greenstein say health department tests have found that oysters in Area 23 are now safe to eat.

The bed was closed and oysters from the area were recalled after at least 14 people came down with norovirus after eating oysters from the bed at one New Orleans-area restaurant April 28 or 29. Guidry said the virus was traced to the oyster bed, which he says was probably contaminated by sewage dumped from a boat.

Guidry says it takes about 21 days for oysters to purge themselves of the virus.