Shellfish Warning

Joe Hostler writes:

Dangerous levels of Domoic Acid have been detected in Del Norte County. The California Department of Public Health warns consumers from eating recreationally harvested mussels, clams or whole scallops. Domoic acid is a naturally occurring toxin that is also known as Amnesiac Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) can cause illness or death in humans.

Symptoms of Domoic Acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. These symptoms disappear within several days. In severe cases, the victim may experience trouble breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions, permanent short term memory loss, coma or death.

Current information on shellfish advisories and quarantine can be found by calling CDPH's toll free Shellfish info line (800) 553-4133. or online at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DRSEM/Pages/EMB/Shellfish/Marine-Biotoxin-Quarantines-and-Health-Advisories.aspx