Shellfish along much of the North Island's west coast could
cause numbness, dizziness or respiratory failure if eaten,
health officials warn.
Shellfish from Mohakatino in Taranaki north to Kaipara Heads
have returned high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning
during routine shellfish toxin testing.
It has prompted the Auckland Regional Public Health Service
to today issue a public health warning against eating any
shellfish in the area.
The shellfish affected are kina, mussels, toheoa, pipis,
tuatua, oysters, cockles and scallops.
Cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin.
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually occurred
within 12 hours after eating shellfish containing the toxins.
Symptoms include:
* Numbness and tingling around the mouth, face or extremities
* Difficulties in swallowing or breathing
* Dizziness, double vision
* In severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.