Consumers warned to avoid raw oysters

The Orange County Health Care Agency warned consumers Friday to avoid raw and undercooked oysters from the southern part of Hood Canal in Washington state after nearly a dozen people became ill eating them.

Three were from Orange County and had eaten at different restaurants. Most of the others were from Northern California, agency spokeswoman Deanne Thompson said.

The health agency recommends oysters be cooked at a minimum of 145 degrees to destroy bacteria that can cause illness. The Washington Department of Health has recalled oysters harvested in the southern part of the canal between July 3 and Aug. 3.