PSP found in shellfish from Discovery Bay

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The Washington State Department of Health has closed all of Discovery Bay to recreational shellfish harvesting following recent tests that have found elevated levels of the marine biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning in shellfish.

Health officials have posted danger signs at public access points to warn people not to consume shellfish from the bay.

Shellfish closures have been widespread this season, even well into the winter, which is very atypical compared to prior years. 

Officials warn that Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) can be fatal. The illness is caused by eating shellfish contaminated with toxins from the naturally occurring marine algae. Symptoms of PSP can appear within minutes or hours and usually begin with tingling lips and tongue, moving to the hands and feet, followed by difficulty breathing, and paralysis. 

For closure locations, check the clickable map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Washington state.