Shellfish toxin warning extended

Coastline affected by the toxic shellfish health warning shown in red.

Health authorities have extended a shellfish toxin warning in the Bay of Plenty.

Following ongoing monitoring, the Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) warning has been extended eastwards along the Bay of Plenty coastline.

The affected area now includes the entire coastline from Tairua on the Coromandel Peninsula, south to Waihi Beach, east along the Bay of Plenty coastline to Whakatane, Ohope and Opotiki and further along to, and including, Whangaparaoa near Cape Runaway in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. It also includes all harbours, estuaries and islands along this coastline.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Neil de Wet said ongoing monitoring had shown high levels of paralytic shellfish poison present in shellfish along this coastline.

"Shellfish in the affected area should not be taken or eaten."

The health warning applies to all bi-valve shellfish including mussels, pipi, tuatua, cockles, oysters, scallops as well as cat's eyes, snails and kina (sea urchin). PSP is caused by natural toxins that are produced by algal blooms and accumulate in shellfish that feed on the algae.

Shellfish containing toxic levels of paralytic shellfish poison don't look or taste any different from shellfish that are safe to eat. Cooking or freezing the shellfish does not remove the toxin.

Paua, crayfish and crabs can still be taken but as always, the gut should be removed before cooking or eating.

Eating shellfish affected by paralytic shellfish toxin can cause numbness and tingling around the mouth, face, hands and feet; difficulty swallowing or breathing; dizziness; double vision; and in severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure. These symptoms can start as soon as 1-2 hours after eating toxic shellfish and usually within 12 hours.

Anyone suffering illness after eating shellfish should seek urgent medical attention.

Monitoring of toxin levels will continue along the coast and any changes in advice will be communicated accordingly. The public can obtain up-to-date information on the toxic shellfish health warning through these channels:

Phone: 0800 221 555, option 1

Website: http://www.ttophs.govt.nz/health_warnings

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ttophs