A recent wave of illness has befallen 45 residents of Washington State who have consumed raw oysters from the Puget Sound.

According to local health officials, many oysters are being discovered containing bacteria called Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Jo Hofmann, state epidemiologist tells the Seattle Post-Intelligencer that normally they only see about 20 cases a year.

While the illness is mostly mild, two patients have been hospitalized after contracting the bacteria.

According to the paper, five oyster harvesting areas around Hood Canal, and Totten and Eld inlets have been closed and local health departments have been asked to notify retail stores and restaurants about the bacterial outbreak.