B.C.'s heat wave may be to blame for several cases of shellfish poisoning - CBC.ca

Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), said there have been 10 confirmed outbreaks of Vibrio illness resulting from a naturally occurring bacterium that is known to proliferate when water temperatures rise in the summer.

Most people who've gotten sick had eaten shellfish they'd harvested themselves, while some fell ill after swimming or other recreational activities, McIntyre said.

"It's nasty," she said of Vibrio illness.

Fortunately, the Vibrio bacteria isn't a concern for commercial harvesters.

McIntyre says commercial operations have to follow strict health and temperature guidelines. As well, commercial oyster harvesters test their shellfish for Vibrio.

McIntyre said the extreme heat wave in June allowed microorganisms to "multiply like crazy" in B.C.

"That's deep, so it's warm down there," McIntyre said.

The BCCDC says anyone who harvests their own shellfish should check first to see if there are closures in the area because of toxins or bacteria.