California Department of Public Health and public regulators are warning people against eating wild mussels harvested off the Santa Cruz coast.
California Department of Public Health and public regulators are warning people against eating wild mussels harvested off the Santa Cruz coast. The problem is a rise in the number of harmful algae that produce domoic acid, a neurotoxin that can potentially cause shellfish poisoning. While this is common in warmer months, public warnings are generally lifted by Oct. 31.
Gregg Langlois, the senior environmental scientist at the Department of Public Health, says that there are indications that the algae bloom has started to subside, though further analysis of the water is necessary.
Domoic acid causes a tingling sensation in the mouth and fingertips after eating infected shellfish. This is often followed by poor muscle coordination, slurred speech, and problems swallowing. In rare cases, paralysis and even death can occur. Read more at the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
