HomeMy WebLinkAbout20170830_PSP Lethal Levels Fort FlaglerAlways working for a safer and healthier community
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Port Townsend, WA 98368
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August 30, 2017
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Michael Dawson
Jefferson County Environmental Health
(360) 385-9444 ext. 301
Lethal Levels of Shellfish Biotoxin Found at Fort Flagler;
Port Townsend Bay Closes
Port Townsend – Marine biotoxins that cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) have recently
been detected at lethal concentrations in shellfish samples collected from Fort Flagler State
Park. PSP concentrations have continued to rise to over 1,000 micrograms per 100 grams of
shellfish; the closure level is 80 micrograms. For the second time this summer, Port Townsend
Bay closes for recreational harvesting of all shellfish species. Port Townsend Bay first closed on
July 19, 2017. The Washington State Department of Health warns the public that consumption
of shellfish with such high amounts of toxin is potentially lethal. Jefferson County Public Health
will continue to test local beaches and will notify the public when shellfish are safe to harvest
again. Shellfish harvested commercially are tested for toxin prior to distribution and should be
safe to eat.
Danger signs have been posted at high-use beaches, warning people not to consume shellfish
from this area. The closure includes clams, oysters, mussels, scallops and other species of
molluscan shellfish. This closure does not apply to shrimp. Crabmeat is not known to contain
the biotoxin but the guts can contain unsafe levels. To be safe, clean crab thoroughly and
discard the guts (butter).
Currently, the only waterbodies in Jefferson County that do not have a biotoxin closure are Oak
Bay and Hood Canal, although a vibrio warning to cook all shellfish is posted throughout Hood
Canal.
Marine biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing. People can become ill from eating
shellfish contaminated with the naturally occurring marine algae containing toxins harmful to
humans. Symptoms of PSP can appear within minutes or hours and usually begins with tingling
lips and tongue, moving to the hands and feet, followed by difficulty breathing, and potentially
death. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a health care provider
immediately. For extreme reactions call 911.
In most cases the algae that contain the toxins cannot be seen, and must be detected using
laboratory testing. Therefore, recreational shellfish harvesters should check the DOH clickable
Always working for a safer and healthier community
Community Health Environmental Health Developmental Disabilities Water Quality
360-385-9400 360-385-9444
360-385-9401 (f) (f) 360-379-4487
map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the DOH Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-
5632 before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Washington State. Recreational harvesters should
also check Fish and Wildlife regulations and seasons at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/ or
the Shellfish Rule Change Hotline 1-866-880-5431.
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Always Working for a Safer & Healthier Jefferson County