Why may oysters be involved in outbreaks of disease?

Oysters can be involved in outbreaks of disease primarily because they may have been taken from polluted waters. Oysters are filter feeders, meaning they ingest water and filter out food particles. This feeding process allows them to accumulate various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, especially if they reside in waters contaminated by sewage, agricultural runoff, or industrial waste. Thus, when humans consume these contaminated oysters, they can be exposed to illnesses such as gastroenteritis or hepatitis.

While the popularity of oysters among tourists may increase exposure opportunities, it does not inherently relate to disease outbreaks. Similarly, oysters are marine animals and do not grow in fresh water, which further rules out those options. The fact that oysters are often served raw does contribute to the risk of foodborne illness, as cooking typically kills pathogens, but the primary concern regarding outbreaks is their source from polluted environments. This highlights the importance of monitoring water quality in oyster harvesting areas to protect public health.