Vashon Island beaches closed for shellfish harvesting after dangerous toxin found

VASHON ISLAND, Wash. - People wanting to dig for clams, oysters and other shellfish will need to steer clear of beaches along Quartermaster Harbor between Vashon and Maury Islands.

The State Department of Health has closed the harbor to shellfish harvesting after the dangerous neurotoxin Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) was detected.

The closure impacts all species of shellfish including:

• Clams
• Geoduck
• Scallops
• Mussels
• Oysters
• Snails and other invertebrates.

The closure does not include crab or shrimp, but heath officials warn people to clean crabs thoroughly and discard the "guts," which can contain unsafe levels of the shellfish poison.

Signs are being posted on impacted beaches warning people not to collect shellfish.

Commercial beaches are sampled separately and commercial products should be safe to eat.

PSP poisoning can be life-threatening and is caused by eating contaminated shellfish. The toxin is not destroyed by cooking for freezing and cannot be detected by a visual inspection of the water or shellfish.

Symptoms of PSP usually begin 30-60 minutes after eating the contaminated shellfish, but may take several hours. Symptoms are generally mild, and begin with numbness or tingling of the face, arms, and legs. This is followed by headache, dizziness, nausea, and loss of muscle coordination. Sometimes a floating sensation occurs. In cases of severe poisoning, muscle paralysis and respiratory failure occur, and in these cases death may occur in 2 to 25 hours.

If symptoms are mild, call your health care provider or Washington Poison Center (800-222-1222), and Public Health (206-296-4774). If symptoms are severe, call 911 or have someone take you to the emergency room immediately.