Monday, July 6, 1998

State issues warning about shellfish dangers

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Last modified at 2:42 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 1998

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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ANCHORAGE - The state has reissued a warning about the dangers of paralytic shellfish poisoning from clams and mussels gathered on uncertified beaches across Alaska.

Unacceptable PSP levels were found recently in oysters taken from a Southeast Alaska aquaculture farm, the Department of Environmental Conservation said.

The agency is concerned that people may be stepping up their efforts to dig clams because of some minus tides.

The ``hot'' oysters at the aquaculture farm are a reminder that PSP at dangerous levels can be present anywhere around the state, officials said.

``Don't eat shellfish from uncertified beaches,'' Mike Ostasz, the agency's shellfish program manager said. ``That's the official word.''

The warning does not apply to commercially grown and harvested clams, mussels, other shellfish, crab or shrimp available in grocery stores or restaurants. Those shellfish are tested regularly before being sold, officials said.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning can occur soon after eating the toxic shellfish. Symptoms include a tingling or numbness in the lips and tongue, often followed by tingling and numbness in the fingertips and toes. The symptoms might grow to the loss of muscle coordination and death.

There were nine cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning in Alaska last year, including the death of a Kodiak resident, officials said.

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