FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 12, 2024
For More Information Contact: Larry Hill, Eastern Region PIO, 757-449-4287, larry.hill@vdh.virginia.gov
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CLOSES PORTIONS OF THE JAMES AND RAPPAHANNOCK RIVERS TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health announced today that portions of the James River and Rappahannock River are closed to shellfish harvesting due to significant river flooding. Because floodwaters can be contaminated with pollutants such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses, shellfish taken from the area affected by the emergency closure are currently unacceptable for consumption. The temporary emergency closure is set to be effective from January 13, 2024, through January 22, 2024.
Ingesting shellfish taken from the closed areas at this time could cause gastrointestinal illnesses including Norovirus, Hepatitis A and Shigellosis. In addition, the Virginia Department of Health urges the public to minimize exposure to the water by rinsing or washing items that come into contact with the water, including fishing gear, life vests, ropes and paddles.
A map of the affected area is posted on the Division of Shellfish Safety’s home page at www.vdh.virginia.gov/Shellfish/. The affected shellfish are filter-feeding bivalve mollusks including oysters and clams, but not crabs or fin fish.