Health officials in Washington are warning residents not to eat shellfish harvested from the Hood Canal area because of paralytic shellfish poisoning, known as PSP. The advisory is aimed at keeping people from gathering and consuming potentially contaminated shellfish from the affected stretch of water until conditions are deemed safe again.
Officials clarified that crab and shrimp are not included in the closure, meaning the warning is focused specifically on shellfish from the area rather than on all seafood. For anyone who had been planning a trip out to harvest, the alert may save them the journey, as the affected shellfish should not be eaten regardless of how they look.
Authorities said that Mason, Kitsap, and Jefferson counties have already put up warning signs in response to the situation. The posted notices are intended to alert residents and visitors directly at the locations where they might otherwise collect shellfish along the Hood Canal.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning occurs when algae in the water produce a toxin that can build up inside shellfish. As the shellfish filter the water, the toxin accumulates in them, which is why health authorities keep a close watch on shellfish in areas where the algae are present.
One of the main dangers is that the toxin cannot be identified by sight, smell, or taste. According to the health department, the only reliable way to know whether shellfish are affected is through laboratory testing, which is why the official monitoring and warnings are so important for public safety.
The risk is serious because paralytic shellfish poisoning can lead to difficulty breathing, paralysis, and even death if a case becomes severe enough. Officials urged residents to heed the warning and avoid eating shellfish from the Hood Canal area while the closure remains in place.