Nerve toxin found in Discovery Bay shellfish

Recreational harvest not allowed on public tidelands

PORT TOWNSEND — Discovery Bay beaches have been closed to shellfish harvest after elevated levels of a potent nerve toxin were found in shellfish samples, the Jefferson County Public Health Department announced.

The toxin causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), which poisons the nerves and can be fatal within minutes of ingestion.

Recreational shellfish harvest is not allowed on public tidelands at this time because of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order. But property owners with private tidelands on Discovery Bay were advised by the state Department of Health to heed the warning.

Danger signs have been posted at public access points warning people not to consume shellfish from the area.

Symptoms of PSP can appear within minutes or hours and usually begin with tingling lips and tongue, moving to the hands and feet, followed by difficulty breathing and paralysis.

Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms after consuming shellfish should contact a health care provider immediately. For extreme reactions call 911.

For closure locations, check the clickable map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the biotoxin hotline at 1-800-562-5632 before harvesting shellfish anywhere in the state.

More in News

Port Angeles teachers’ union votes to honor paraeducators’ picket line on April 8

Members of the Port Angeles Education Association voted overwhelmingly… Continue reading

Funding needed for Port Townsend homeless shelter

Operation at Legion Hall to close April 30

Fire district volunteers lauded

Clallam County Fire District No. 3 recently recognized seven members… Continue reading

Clallam to continue providing deputy to Forks

Contract includes wages, mileage and maintenance reimbursement

Maintenance closes section of Olympic Discovery Trail

A portion of the Olympic Discovery Trail is closed… Continue reading

Hanna Paoluccu of Alexander, N.Y., and Rosie Berg of Nevada City, Calif., members of the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group and working with the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Board, remove poisonous hemlock weed from along the Larry Scott Trail in Port Townsend on Monday. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Poison hemlock removal in Port Townsend

Hanna Paoluccu of Alexander, N.Y., and Rosie Berg of Nevada City, Calif.,… Continue reading

YMCA to build childcare facility

$1-2M still needed for $6.7M project

Port Townsend Police Department recognizes award recipients

The Port Townsend Police Department recognized officers, employees, volunteers… Continue reading

Port Angeles High School evacuated due to bomb threat

Nothing suspicious found, principal says

A tree that has grown out of its tree box and shattered a nearby curb and sidewalk in the 100 block of North Oak Street is among those targeted for removal and replacement in downtown Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Port Angeles tree and sidewalk replacement to begin Monday

The Port Angeles downtown tree and sidewalk replacement project… Continue reading

Grant for Forks treatment plant to be discussed

The Clallam County Opportunity Fund Advisory Board will discuss… Continue reading

Planned power outage to affect 4,100 West End customers Thursday night

Clallam County Public Utility District No. 1 will turn off… Continue reading