Tests show high levels of marine biotoxin paralytic shellfish poison (PSP)
CLOSURE AREA: All of Dyes Inlet. All existing shellfish closures remain in effect.
SPECIES AFFECTED: All recreational shellfish harvesting for all species of clams, oysters, and mussels.
Shrimp and crab are not included in this closure, but crabs should be cleaned prior to cooking, and the “crab butter” should be discarded. Shellfish harvested commercially that are available in stores and restaurants are tested for toxins prior to distribution, and are safe to eat.
Anyone planning to harvest or consume local, recreationally-harvested shellfish must first:
1) Check the safety status of shellfish harvesting:
2) Check the harvest seasons and licensing requirements:
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife website
Call 1-866-880-5431
SYMPTOMS OF PSP: Early symptoms of PSP include tingling of the lips and tongue, which may begin within minutes of eating toxic shellfish or may take an hour or two to develop. Symptoms may progress to tingling of fingers and toes and then loss of control of arms and legs, followed by difficulty in breathing. Some people feel nauseous or experience a sense of floating. If a person consumes enough toxin, muscles of the chest and abdomen become paralyzed, including muscles used for breathing, and the victim can suffocate. Death from PSP has occurred in less than 30 minutes.
The Kitsap Public Health District, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health and Clean Water Kitsap, test shellfish from 12 locations throughout Kitsap County. Samples for this closure were collected on Sept. 16, 2019, and results show concentrations of 146 micrograms of toxin per 100 grams of shellfish tissue. Shellfish harvesting is closed when PSP toxin levels meet or exceed 80 micrograms per 100 grams of tissue.
Warning signs have been posted at public beaches alerting people not to collect shellfish from the closure areas.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer Kitsap Public Health District 345 6th St., Suite 300 | Bremerton, WA 98337 (360) 728-2330 Office | (360) 908-8892 Cell pio@kitsappublichealth.org | kitsappublichealth.org
