Raw Shellfish
Many people enjoy eating raw shellfish. After all, it is a delicacy in many cultures around the world. What many people don’t realize, however, is that consuming raw shellfish can be dangerous. That’s because raw shellfish can increase the risk of Hepatitis A infection.
One of the most common ways that Hepatitis A is spread is through contaminated food or water. That’s because the virus can live in fecal matter and contaminate the food that encounters it. Raw shellfish are especially dangerous because they are often harvested from contaminated waters. In addition, shellfish are filter feeders, which means they can filter large amounts of water and unwittingly ingest viruses.
When shellfish are cooked properly, however, the heat will kill any viruses that may be present. Eating cooked shellfish is generally safe as the cooking process eliminates any harmful viruses or bacteria. It’s important to note that even properly cooked shellfish can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems or other health conditions. These individuals should avoid consuming shellfish altogether.
