United States
An unprecedented outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) has led to the closure of mussel harvesting along the entire Oregon coast. The Oregon Health Authority has reported at least 20 people falling ill after consuming mussels harvested from Portland, Oregon. All 20 people who fell ill reported recreationally harvesting mussels Saturday or Sunday at Short Beach near Oceanside in Tillamook County, and Hug Point and near Seaside in Clatsop County.
The affected individuals had harvested mussels from Short Beach near Oceanside, Hug Point, and near Seaside. Some of the victims have been hospitalized, but no fatalities have been reported. The symptoms of PSP include numbness of the mouth and lips, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and in severe cases, shortness of breath or irregular heartbeat.
The outbreak was discovered after the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) detected high levels of PSP in mussels from the region. The authorities initially closed a stretch of the Oregon Coast to mussel harvesting from Seal Rock State Park north to Cape Lookout on May 23. The closure was later extended to the entire coastline up to the Washington border.
PSP is a foodborne illness caused by saxitoxins produced by marine algae. It is contracted by consuming shellfish contaminated with the naturally occurring biotoxin. There is no antidote for PSP, and treatment involves supportive care and, if necessary, respiratory support. The illness is most common in temperate waters off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America.
Health officials are urging individuals who have harvested mussels from the affected areas since Saturday to discard the mollusks. The recommendations apply only to mussels harvested by private individuals, not those harvested commercially and purchased in a grocery store or at a restaurant.
If you or a loved one are harmed or experiencing any symptoms, it is important to report it. Reporting can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.
Source:
content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORHA/bulletins/39f3212
