Paralytic Shellfish Poison Prompts Warning On Orcas Island

OLYMPIA, WA — State health officials issued a warning against consuming certain shellfish Thursday after high levels of paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) were found in oysters and clams harvested off Orcas Island.

In a news release, the state Department of Health said people should avoid eating shellfish harvested from Buck Bay on July 26 and 27, which were sold to consumers and restaurants via the Buck Bay Shellfish Farm. Officials said biotoxin monitoring detected PSP levels nearly four times the allowable level for harvesting.

Fortunately, no illnesses stemming from the recalled shellfish have been reported. The Buck Bay growing area is closed until further notice.

DOH said PSP is a naturally occurring marine biotoxin produced by certain algae that shellfish eat, and cooking or freezing does not destroy it. Symptoms appear quickly, and severe reactions can be fatal.

Symptoms include:

• Tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, fingers, and toes.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Loss of coordination, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and total muscular paralysis with respiratory arrest (in severe cases).

Officials said people experiencing even mild symptoms after eating shellfish should contact their health care provider immediately, and in serious cases call 911 or seek treatment at an emergency room.

Residents can find a live list of marine areas closed for biotoxins on the state's shellfish safety map.