SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — Another Washington waterway is closed for shellfish harvesting.
The Washington State Department of Health says it discovered paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in Skagit Bay.
It was discovered in mussels collected in Saratoga Passage.
Earlier this week, Public Health Seattle & King County announced that it was detected from Alki Beach to Dash Point State Park, and all along eastern Vashon-Maury Island, including Quartermaster Harbor.
Species of shellfish affected
The closure includes all species of shellfish, including:
- Clams
- Geoduck
- Scallops
- Mussels
- Oysters
- Snails
Species of shellfish not affected
The closure does not include crab or shrimp. Crabmeat is not known to contain the paralytic shellfish toxin, but the guts can contain unsafe levels. To be safe, clean crab thoroughly.
Anyone who eats contaminated shellfish is at risk of getting sick or dying, depending on the severity.
Symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes. They typically begin with a mild numbness or tingling in the face, arms, and legs. Next, a person will get a headache, become dizzy and nauseous, and lose muscle coordination. In cases of severe poisoning, muscle paralysis and respiratory failure occur, and in these cases, death may occur in 2 to 25 hours.
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