DEC finds low levels of PSP in crab samples

JUNEAU - The levels are far below state legal limits and are not a health concern, the department said. No toxins were found in the crab meat.

The samples were taken after the death of resident John Saunders, who was admitted to Bartlett Regional Hospital with numbness and weakness on Monday, after eating Dungeness crab that was locally caught over the weekend. He was diagnosed with PSP, treated and released. He died the next day at his home. The results of his state-ordered autopsy are expected as early as next week.

While an epidemiology report indicates Saunders ate viscera, the crab was not served whole. It was broken in half, cleaned and only the meat was served.

Hospital spokesman Jim Strader said Saunders showed symptoms consistent with PSP and was administered treatment until his condition improved.

"We are as interested as anyone else to find out what the actual cause of death was," Strader said in response to the test results.

DEC will continue to test crabs from other parts of Southeast Alaska to verify the results.

The department has issued warnings about PSP since five suspected cases have been reported in Alaska in the past two weeks. Clams, mussels and cockles also can contain lethal levels of PSP toxins and other contaminants.

Crab meat is generally considered safe from PSP.

The DEC warnings do not apply to commercially grown and harvested shellfish available in grocery stores and restaurants, which are tested regularly before going to the market.

• Contact reported Kim Marquis at 523-2279 or kim.marquis@ juneauempire.com.