Infectivity of Norovirus in Shellfish Treated With High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing-Human Challenge Study

Norwalk virus and related "Norwalk-like viruses" are the most common cause of outbreaks of stomach sickness (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) in older children and adults in the United States. These viruses are sometimes found in drinking water, ice, shellfish and in other foods. They can be spread easily from contact with water, food, objects or hands that have even small amounts of feces from someone who was sick. The purpose of this research study is to the effectiveness of high hydrostatic pressures processing (HPP) treatment on norovirus infected shellfish. Norwalk virus can survive in shellfish and still be able to cause sickness. HPP inactivates microorganisms living both on the surface and on the interior of the food. The goal of the study is to determine whether HPP treatment on oysters spiked with norovirus will reduce infection rates in people consuming raw infected oysters.