Island News & Views
General · 14th June 2008
Deb
DFO advises that as of Thursday, June 12th at noon a shellfish closure is in effect for all of Area 13 (Quadra Island) and Area 15 (Cortes Island) for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
Wikepedia defines PSP as 'one of the four recognized syndromes of shellfish poisoning (the others being neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, diarrheal shellfish poisoning and amnesic shellfish poisoning). All four syndromes share some common features and are primarily associated with bivalve molluscs (such as mussels, clams, oysters and scallops). These shellfish are filter feeders and, therefore, accumulate toxins produced by microscopic algae, such as dinoflagellates and diatoms, and cyanobacteria' (commonly described as 'red tides').
'PSP can be fatal in extreme cases (particularly in those who are already immuno-suppressed). Children are more susceptible. PSP affects those who come into contact with the affected shellfish by ingestion. Ten to thirty minutes after ingestion, symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tingling or burning lips, gums, tongue, face, neck, arms, legs, and toes. Shortness of breath, dry mouth, a choking feeling, confused or slurred speech, and lack of coordination are also possible.'
Please contact your local fisheries for more info. or call toll free: 1-866-431-FISH (1-866-431-3474).
Wikepedia defines PSP as 'one of the four recognized syndromes of shellfish poisoning (the others being neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, diarrheal shellfish poisoning and amnesic shellfish poisoning). All four syndromes share some common features and are primarily associated with bivalve molluscs (such as mussels, clams, oysters and scallops). These shellfish are filter feeders and, therefore, accumulate toxins produced by microscopic algae, such as dinoflagellates and diatoms, and cyanobacteria' (commonly described as 'red tides').
'PSP can be fatal in extreme cases (particularly in those who are already immuno-suppressed). Children are more susceptible. PSP affects those who come into contact with the affected shellfish by ingestion. Ten to thirty minutes after ingestion, symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tingling or burning lips, gums, tongue, face, neck, arms, legs, and toes. Shortness of breath, dry mouth, a choking feeling, confused or slurred speech, and lack of coordination are also possible.'
Please contact your local fisheries for more info. or call toll free: 1-866-431-FISH (1-866-431-3474).
poison shellfish
Comment by Ash on 18th June 2008
The thought of contracting PSP is extremely concerning, and clearly the Government are doing the right thing in shutting down various locations.
Somewhat worryingly, last Friday morning I suffered similar symptons you discribed in your article - diarreah, vomitting, abdominal pains, tingling lips, shortness of breath plus a confused demeanour in conjunction with a somewhat slurred speech - yet I hadn't eaten shellfish for months.
In fairness though, I did drink 18 pints of lager Thursday night before gorging on a dodgy Curry. That wouldn't have helped, I reckon.
The thought of contracting PSP is extremely concerning, and clearly the Government are doing the right thing in shutting down various locations.
Somewhat worryingly, last Friday morning I suffered similar symptons you discribed in your article - diarreah, vomitting, abdominal pains, tingling lips, shortness of breath plus a confused demeanour in conjunction with a somewhat slurred speech - yet I hadn't eaten shellfish for months.
In fairness though, I did drink 18 pints of lager Thursday night before gorging on a dodgy Curry. That wouldn't have helped, I reckon.