Shellfish fishing has been suspended in parts of the Washington coast as FDA issues new warnings

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Recent closures of recreational shellfish fishing in Washington have led to new warnings from the FDA.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says consumers should avoid eating shellfish from Oregon and Washington because they may be contaminated with biotoxins. Oregon authorities say at least 31 people have fallen ill so far.

The warning says to avoid shellfish caught in Netarts Bay and Tillamook Bay in Oregon starting May 28, and shellfish caught off Willapa Bay in Washington starting May 26.

They may be contaminated with high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, a naturally occurring toxin produced by algae. Coasts in Oregon and Washington are now closed for shellfish fishing.

On May 24, state officials closed harvest areas in Whatcom County.

People who eat shellfish contaminated with high levels of PSP usually begin to feel sick within 30 to 60 minutes. Symptoms include numbness of the mouth and lips, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat in severe cases.

MyBellinghamNow.com’s Dianna Hawryluk contributed to this report.