Md. Health Dept. warns against eating crab meat from Venezuela

WASHINGTON — Imported crab meat from Venezuela is causing an infection with some painful symptoms, Maryland’s Department of Health reported.

Fresh crab meat from the South American country has been linked to at least nine cases of Vibrio infections in Maryland.

Two people were hospitalized but there have been no deaths.

Those affected reported eating fresh, non-pasteurized crab meat from a plastic tub. The products are sold under different brand names but the label indicates that the meat was imported from Venezuela.

The crab products were prepared in both household and restaurant settings and include a variety of dishes such as crabcakes, seafood salad containing crab and crab Benedict, a news release from the Maryland Health Department said.

Some symptoms of a possible infection include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills.

Anyone exhibiting symptoms should call a doctor.

The health department said that consumers should refrain from eating these products until further notice.

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