BC Centre for Disease Control warns of contaminated shellfish

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is reminding residents to be on the lookout for contaminated shellfish this summer.

According to a June 18th release from the BCCDC, as temperatures rise, toxins naturally produced by microorganisms in coastal waters may increase, potentially leading to accumulation in shellfish.

The BCCDC said toxins are most often found in mussels, clams, oysters, scallops and crabs, but can also be present in cockles, whelks, prawns, squid and any other species which feed on plankton.

Cockles are small saltwater clams, and whelks are large, marine sea snails which live inside a shell. 

Plankton refers to a “massive” group of aquatic organisms that lack the swimming ability to move against ocean currents or tides.

The BCCDC said an increase in calls to the province’s Drug and Poison Information Centre (DPIC) related to illnesses from these toxins is often seen in the summer months.  

Consumption of contaminated shellfish can lead to serious disease according to the BCCDC, including paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) and amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). 

“These illnesses can be life-threatening, and shellfish contaminated with these toxins cannot be made safe by cooking,” the release said. 

Illness when harvesting shellfish can be prevented by checking for closures or advisories on the BCCDC Shellfish Harvesting Map. 

Those harvesting are encouraged to do so when the tide is receding. 

After harvesting, shellfish should be placed in a chilled cooler and kept cold to prevent bacterial growth. 

The BCCDC said symptoms from these illnesses often start within minutes to hours after eating contaminated shellfish, but can also appear 24 to 48 hours later. 

Residents who experience tingling numbness that spreads beyond their lips and mouth, along with increased weakness or difficulty walking or swallowing after consuming shellfish, should visit their nearest emergency room or call 911. 

Those who experience diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal cramping after eating shellfish should call the DPIC at 1-800-567-8911, HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 or visit a health care provider. 

For more information on safely harvesting, handling and interacting with shellfish, view the release.