For Immediate Release 
Contact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager
Jefferson County Public Health
360-385-9444 ext. 301 

Port Townsend, WA. Recent shellfish samples from Discovery Bay, Mats Mats Bay and Port Ludlow were found to have high levels of the biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), and the Washington State Department of Health has closed the areas for recreational harvesting of all shellfish species. Jefferson County Public Health has posted warning signs at public access points in Discovery Bay, Mats Mats Bay and Port Ludlow. 

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning can be fatal. Illness is caused by eating shellfish contaminated with toxins from the naturally occurring marine plankton Alexandrium. The biotoxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing contaminated shellfish. Symptoms of PSP can appear within minutes or hours and usually begin with tingling lips and tongue, moving to the hands and feet, followed by difficulty breathing and paralysis. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms after consuming shellfish should contact a health care provider immediately. For extreme reactions, call 911. 

To find out which areas in Washington are safe to harvest shellfish, please check the Shellfish Safety map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632. For the latest information on regulations and seasons, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing or call the Shellfish Rule Change Hotline at 1-866-880-5431.

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Jefferson County Public Health
Always Working for a Safer and Healthier Community