Beaches across Pierce County have been temporarily closed to shellfish harvesting after state health officials detected unsafe levels of a dangerous marine biotoxin.
According to the Washington State Department of Health, the closure covers all shellfish species and extends from the shoreline at Days Island to Point Fosdick, continuing north to the boundaries of King and Kitsap counties.
Officials explained that testing revealed high concentrations of paralytic shellfish poison (PSP), a potent biotoxin that can accumulate in mussels, clams, oysters, and other shellfish. The department noted on its website that the closure applies to recreational harvesting only, adding that commercially sold shellfish in stores and restaurants remain safe to eat.
PSP is produced by certain species of microscopic algae and can severely affect the nervous system, potentially paralyzing muscles. In extreme cases, the toxin can be fatal in under 30 minutes. Early symptoms often include tingling of the lips and tongue, which can appear within minutes or up to two hours after consuming contaminated shellfish. Later symptoms may involve numbness in the fingers and toes, loss of muscle control, difficulty breathing, nausea, and a sensation of floating.
Health officials warn that if symptoms are mild, individuals should contact both their healthcare provider and the local health department. Severe symptoms require immediate medical attention, call 911 or go directly to the emergency room, as muscle paralysis from PSP can stop breathing altogether.
