What We Know About the Raw Oysters Salmonella Outbreak
Eighty people in 23 states got sick in this Salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters, and 34 of them were hospitalized. No deaths were reported, and CDC declared the outbreak over on February 24, 2026.
This outbreak involves Salmonella Telekebir. Illnesses started between June 21, 2025, and December 22, 2025.
How Could Hospitalization Affect My Claim?
A hospital stay can leave you with medical bills and lost income that may be part of a claim. CDC’s final update found that 34 of the 68 people with information available (50%) were hospitalized, a higher rate than expected.
Your diagnosis and meal history help connect those losses to the outbreak. Of 43 people CDC interviewed, 26 reported eating raw oysters in the week before illness. That 60 percent report rate was far above the 1.6 percent baseline in CDC FoodNet survey data.
What the Investigation Found
State and local officials collected oyster traceback information for 19 sick people who ate raw oysters. FDA worked with states to trace those oysters to their sources, but no single common source was found. CDC didn’t name a brand, harvester, or harvest area, and no recall was issued.
That doesn’t mean you have no legal options. A claim can still be built from your medical records, lab results, and proof of where you ate or bought oysters.
CDC also investigated a separate outbreak of Salmonella Paratyphi B variant L(+) tartrate(+) during the same period. It made 18 people in 10 states sick, with illnesses starting between November 13 and December 4, 2025, and all 12 people with information about what they ate reported eating oysters.
Those 18 cases are not included in the 80-case Telekebir total. You can use this page’s form to ask about either outbreak.
Where Illnesses Were Reported
Cases were reported in 23 states, including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Georgia, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, and South Carolina.
Pennsylvania had the highest reported count in CDC’s state map data at the time of publication.
Can You File a Raw Oysters Salmonella Lawsuit Without a Recall
Yes. A recall is helpful, but it isn’t a legal requirement. Claims can still be built with the right evidence package.
The strongest cases usually include:
- A confirmed Salmonella diagnosis and medical timeline
- Exposure history showing raw oyster consumption before symptoms
- Health department reports or outbreak linkage records
- Economic losses, medical bills, and documented disruption to daily life
Evidence That Helps Your Case Most
If you suspect your illness is connected to this outbreak, gather evidence immediately:
- Medical records and lab results
- Receipt history, card statements, and reservation confirmations
- A symptom timeline with dates and treatment notes
- Any communications with restaurants, retailers, or public health investigators
Talk to a Raw Oysters Salmonella Lawyer Now
Even after an outbreak is declared over, timing still matters. Early legal review helps preserve records, confirm exposure windows, and protect your claim.
Ron Simon & Associates is a food poisoning law firm that has recovered over $850 million for victims and families. If you became ill after eating raw oysters, contact our attorneys for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.