Disease Information
Paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, is caused by a toxin called saxitoxin. It is not an infection. Saxitoxins are made by tiny plants in the ocean (phytoplankton) that build up inside shellfish (like clams & mussels) and poison humans who eat them.
Within minutes to hours of eating contaminated shellfish, you might start to feel ill. Illness usually resolves completely within a few hours to days after eating shellfish, and can include nausea, vomiting, headache, numbness in your mouth, and/or tingling in your hands or feet.
Seek medical help immediately if you have any of the following severe symptoms: muscle weakness, dizziness or a feeling of tilting or spinning, lightheadedness or a floating sensation, difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing. In severe cases, PSP could result in respiratory arrest and death if left untreated.
Disease Reporting
What is required?
Health Care Providers and Clinical Laboratories
Health care providers and clinical laboratories are
required by law to report cases and suspect cases of ciguetara, domoic acid poisoning, paralytic shellfish poisoning and scombroid to local health departments
immediately, day or night.
For Local Health Departments
Disease Data
Summary of 2024 Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning in Oregon
|
January | 4
| 1/25/24
| 0/4 (0%)
|
May-June
| 40
| 5/21/24 to 6/6/24
| 7/40 (18%)
|
Total
| 44
|
|
|
(as of July 16, 2024)
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Factsheets (pdf)
See Also