The Northland DHB's Public Health Unit has issued a warning not to collect or eat shellfish from the mouth of the Hokianga Harbour (but not within the harbour itself, which remains safe) and Lower Kina Road south of Oakura northward to the Hokianga Harbour mouth, after sampling showed significantly higher than regulatory levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins.
The symptoms of PSP include numbness and tingling around the mouth, face or extremities, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, dizziness and double vision. In severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure can occur within 12 hours.
"Cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin," Medical Officer of Health Dr Jose Ortega Benito said, adding that anyone who fell ill after eating shellfish should see a doctor, phone Healthline on 0800 611-116, or in an emergency phone 111 for medical help.
