Shellfish on the Bay of Plenty coastline remain toxic and should be avoided, the Waikato District Health Board says.
A warning was issued in December after an outbreak of paralytic poisoning, but people have continued to eat shellfish - much to their detriment - medical officer of health Dr Phil Shoemack said.
Eating the shellfish can cause numbness and tingling around the mouth, muscle weakness, loss of coordination and breathing problems.
"Two people have been admitted to hospital, at least four have been seen in emergency departments and there are anecdotal reports of other people whose symptoms have resolved without the need for medical attention. This emphasises the importance of the health warning being observed," Dr Shoemack said.
The warning covers all bi-valve shellfish, which include mussels, pipi, tuatua, cockles, oysters, scallops, cats-eyes and kina.
Areas affected were the coastline from Tairua south including Whiritoa, Whangamata, Onemana, and east along the Bay of Plenty coastline from Waihi beach to the mouth of the Whakatane River.
- NZPA
Bay of Plenty shellfish warning continues
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