State health officials are reminding recreational gatherers of shellfish harvested on beaches across Alaska to be cautious of the dangers of paralytic shellfish poisoning.
The warning comes in the wake of the first suspected case of PSP reported in late July to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Section of Epidemiology.
Toxin levels detected in shellfish have been high this summer in many parts of the state.
Shellfish harvested recreationally may contain paralytic shellfish toxins that, if ingested, can cause illness or death.
While shellfish harvesters often look for signs of a “red tide,” there is no way to tell if a beach is safe for harvesting by looking at it, or even from testing nearby. The toxins that cause PSP may be present in large amounts even if the water looks clear. Also, the toxin can remain in shellfish long after the algae bloom is gone.
PSP cannot be cooked, cleaned or frozen out of shellfish.
Commercially available shellfish is tested and considered safe. Those who consume non-commercial shellfish do so at their own risk.
In the last month high PSP toxin levels were detected in shellfish collected from the communities of Chignik Lagoon, Chignik Bay, King Cove and Sand Point indicating a high risk for PSP throughout the Southern Alaska Peninsula Region.
More information on shellfish harvesting and PSP is online at http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/dod/psp/default.aspx
