For Immediate Release 
Contact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager
Jefferson County Public Health
360-385-9444 x301

Port Townsend, WA. A recent clam sample in Oak Bay was found to contain elevated levels of the marine biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). As a result, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has closed Oak Bay for recreational shellfish harvest for butter and varnish clams. Other shellfish species are not affected. Danger signs have been posted at public access points warning people not to consume butter or varnish clams from this area.

PSP can be fatal. Illness is caused by eating shellfish contaminated with toxins from the naturally occurring marine plankton Alexandrium. Biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking. 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.

Public access points are posted with the appropriate warning signs, and the DOH Shellfish Safety Map has up-to-date information for shellfish harvesting throughout Washington at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm. Recreational harvesters should also check Fish and Wildlife regulations and seasons at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish or the Shellfish Rule Change Hotline 1-866-880-5431.

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Always Working for a Safer & Healthier Jefferson County