South Kingstown Pond Closed To Shellfishing For Harmful Bacteria

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — A South Kingstown pond is closed to shellfishing until further notice due to dangerous bacteria, the Rhode Island Department of Health said. The closure comes following an investigation into several reported illnesses connected to shellfish.

A shellfish sample from Potters Pond tested positive for Campylobacter lari, the department said. The sample was collected after seven people reported illnesses after eating raw shellfish between Aug. 11 and 19.

Two of the people who became ill tested positive for Campylobacter Jejuni, a different type of bacteria, the department said. The sample from Potters Pond did not match the illnesses, but the presence of any dangerous bacteria is cause for concern and further testing.

The department reached out to all commercial fisherman in the area to avoid selling product from the pond at restaurants and markets. Any recreational harvesters are urged to not eat any shellfish bought from Sept. 9 to 11 raw: either throw them away or cook them to at least 145 degrees internal temperature. Quick steaming shellfish is not enough to prevent illness.

Raw oysters and other shellfish that contain dangerous bacteria or viruses may look, smell or taste normal, the Department of Health warned.

Campylobacter infections often present with diarrhea, sometimes bloody; stomach cramps and fever. Nausea and vomiting are also possible. Symptoms usually develop about two to five days after exposure and can last up to a week.

Anyone who believes they became sick after eating raw shellfish is asked to call the Department of Health at 401-222-2749 during business hours or 401-276-8046 after hours.