There’s been an outbreak of a potentially deadly bacteria on the B.C. coast, forcing the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to close bivalve shellfish harvesting along most of the Sunshine Coast.
Dangerously high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning — or “Red Tide” were found in what the DFO refers to as Area 16.
The warning applies to oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and geoduck.
The threshold for closure is set at 80 parts per million, but concentration in those areas were found to be as high as 1,300 parts per million.
- ‘We’re struggling’: Caregivers are feeling the financial squeeze, report says
- Babies of mothers with endometriosis face higher birth defect risk: study
- Province spending $17M, adding 26 new ICU beds in Saskatoon hospital
- Constitutional challenge launched by Ontario nurses over lack of right to strike
“So extremely high levels,” Gordon said. “Something everyone should be very much aware of and know that this is something that will kill you.”
Get weekly health news
Onset symptoms include nausea, dizziness, difficulties breathing, paralysis of the respiratory system, and in worst case, death. If someone does feel ill after consuming shellfish, they should seek medical attention immediately.
The DFO is encouraging everyone to check the website for updates to ensure it’s safe to harvest.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.