The California Department of Public Health has issued a warning for shellfish recreationally harvested in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties because they may contain a toxin called domoic acid, which causes Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) that can lead to severe illness or death. The warning does not apply to commercial shellfish which are subject to frequent mandatory tests for toxins.
No illnesses have been reported, but dangerous levels of toxins have been detected in the waters of these regions. The illness is now called domoic acid poisoning, since the toxin has also been found in fin fish.
Symptoms of poisoning from domoic acid appear between 30 minutes and 24 hours of ingestion and can last several days. They include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. In severe cases, symptoms may also include trouble breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular instability. See a health care provider if you have these symptoms as more serious complications can develop.
