Coastal shellfish remain a danger

A warning issued in May that shellfish along the coastline between Whareongaonga (about 22km north of Mahia) and the Mohaka River should not be eaten due to dangerous levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxin remains in place.

Further sampling by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is needed to confirm shellfish species at Opoutama Beach are safe for consumption. Samples taken at Pania Reef, Napier, and above Mahia Peninsula are below the MPI safe health limit for consumption.

Hawke's Bay District Health Board (HBDHB) said, in the meantime, that kina, mussels, toheroa, pipis, tuatua, oysters and cockles in the affected area should not be eaten.

Paua, crab, and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed its contents could contaminate the meat during cooking.

Cooking affected shellfish does not remove the toxin.

Fish such as snapper, gurnard, and tarakihi are not affected by the algae.

Anyone eating toxic shellfish from closed areas could be at risk of serious illness.

If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from any area they should contact a doctor immediately and also advise the HBDHB's Public Health Unit on 06 878 1329. The unit has sent information to doctors, community groups and other authorities in the region.

Warning signs in the extended closure area have been erected at main shellfish collection and boat launching sites.

Symptoms of PSP

These can occur within 12 hours of eating affected seafood and can include:

* Numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face and extremities first;

* Difficulty swallowing, or breathing; and Headache, dizziness and double vision.

* Severe cases may result in respiratory arrest leading to death, if medical treatment is not immediately available.