Failure of cooking to prevent shellfish-associated viral gastroenteritis.

Background: In January 1995, Florida experienced the largest outbreak of oyster-associated gastroenteritis ever reported.

Methods: We interviewed both the cohort of persons from 38 gatherings where illness was reported and a sample of harvesters and harvest-area residents. Oysters were traced by means of tags and dealer records, and water quality measures in harvest areas were reviewed.