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May 31, 2024 3:39 p.m. Updated: June 3, 2024 10:10 a.m.
By April Ehrlich (OPB)
Paralytic shellfish poisoning is the most severe type of shellfish poisoning. It’s tied to algal blooms that state officials say are getting worse along with climate change.
Oregon officials closed the state’s entire coast to mussel harvesting on Friday after an unprecedented outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning, which appears to also be affecting parts of Washington and California.
During a press conference Friday morning, officials said Oregon had never experienced such a large outbreak before, in terms of both the toxic levels being detected in mussels and the number of people becoming ill.
At least 20 people who harvested mussels have become ill. An Oregon Health Authority spokesperson said most illnesses have been mild, although some people required hospitalization. ...
Symptoms usually appear within an hour after a person eats toxic shellfish. They include numbness and tingling of the face, lips, tongue, arms and legs, as well as digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Extreme cases could include neurological symptoms, like paralysis, or respiratory failure. ...
By April Ehrlich (OPB)
Paralytic shellfish poisoning is the most severe type of shellfish poisoning. It’s tied to algal blooms that state officials say are getting worse along with climate change.
Oregon officials closed the state’s entire coast to mussel harvesting on Friday after an unprecedented outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning, which appears to also be affecting parts of Washington and California.
During a press conference Friday morning, officials said Oregon had never experienced such a large outbreak before, in terms of both the toxic levels being detected in mussels and the number of people becoming ill.
At least 20 people who harvested mussels have become ill. An Oregon Health Authority spokesperson said most illnesses have been mild, although some people required hospitalization. ...
Symptoms usually appear within an hour after a person eats toxic shellfish. They include numbness and tingling of the face, lips, tongue, arms and legs, as well as digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Extreme cases could include neurological symptoms, like paralysis, or respiratory failure. ...