Toxic Mussels Found In Marin County Sends Person To Hospital

MARIN COUNTY, CA -- A state-issued warning for Northern California residents not to eat sport-harvested bivalve shellfish is still in effect Monday, days after a person was hospitalized after eating mussels from a Marin County beach.

Marin County health officials said a person, who ate mussels harvested in Dillon Beach, was sent to the hospital after experiencing neurological symptoms.

The news comes after the state Department of Public Health issued a warning earlier this month telling Bay Area residents not eat recreationally harvested mussels, clams or whole scallops because of high PSP levels found in mussels that can cause illness or even death.

Health officials, who added that "cooking does not destroy the toxin," issued the warning for Monterey, San Mateo, San Francisco and Sonoma counties.

"PSP toxins affect the central nervous system, producing a tingling around the mouth and fingertips within a few minutes to a few hours after eating toxic shellfish," health officials said in a press release. "These symptoms are typically followed by loss of balance, lack of muscular coordination, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. In severe poisonings, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur."

The warning does not apply to commercially sold clams, mussels, scallops or oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products.

Residents can get the most current information on shellfish advisories by calling the state's Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133. For additional information, go to CDPH Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Web page.

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