MIL OSI – Source: Waikato District Health Board – Press Release/Statement
Headline: Toxic shellfish warning extended
Bay of Plenty/Coromandel Shellfish Toxin update – Warning extended to the mouth of the Otahu River at the southern end of Whangamata Beach.
The Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxin warning along the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel coast has been extended. The warning now extends from Pukehina Beach to the mouth of the Otahu River at the southern end of Whangamata Beach. The northern area covered by this warning had only recently been reduced; however ongoing shellfish toxin monitoring has led to this new extension back to the Otahu River.
The Medical Officer of Health advises against gathering or eating shellfish from the Otahu River, along the Bay of Plenty coast to Rogers Road, Pukehina. The warning includes
Tauranga Harbour, Maketu and Waihi estuaries, Matakana and Motiti Islands, and all other islands along this coastline.
The health warning applies to all bi-valve shellfish including mussels, pipi, tuatua, cockles, oysters, scallops as well as catseyes and kina (sea urchin). Shellfish in the affected area should not be taken or consumed. Paua, crayfish and crabs can still be taken but as always, the gut should be removed before cooking.
Consumption of shellfish affected by the paralytic shellfish toxin can cause numbness and tingling around the mouth, face or extremities; difficulty swallowing or breathing; dizziness; double vision; and in severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure. These symptoms usually occur within 12 hours of a person consuming affected shellfish. Anyone suffering illness after eating shellfish should seek medical attention.
Monitoring of toxin levels will continue along the coast and any changes will be communicated accordingly.
Up-to-date information on the toxic shellfish health warning can be found through these channels:
Phone: 0800 800 977 Waikato or 0800 221 555 Bay of Plenty
Website: www.waikatodhbnewsroom.co.nz
Signage at locations (i.e. shellfish health warning signs at affected beaches)
ENDS
For more information:
Or please contact:
For Waikato/Coromandel – Kathryn Jenkin, Media and Communications, Waikato District Health Board. Phone: 021 605 675.
For Bay of Plenty – Debbie Phillips, Communications Advisor, Health Service Development Team, Toi Te Ora Public Health Service. Phone: 07 577 3793.
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