Officials warn about shellfish in 'red tide

State health officials have issued a warning against harvesting shellfish in southeast Alaska, citing the presence of a toxic algae bloom called a "red tide."

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by Associated Press

Story Created: Jun 22, 2012 at 3:02 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jun 22, 2012 at 3:02 PM AKDT

State health officials have issued a warning against harvesting shellfish in southeast Alaska, citing the presence of a toxic algae bloom called a "red tide."

Officials say water samples from around Etolin Island show
increasing levels of Alexandrium algae. The algae cause paralytic
shellfish poisoning in shellfish.

According to officials, tests also show extremely high levels of
the algae around Juneau and a slight increase in levels on the west
coast of Prince of Wales Island.

Officials say paralytic shellfish poisoning can cause paralysis
and suspected cases should be reported.

Scientists also have identified unsafe levels of three different
species of Dinophysis algae in Ketchikan.

That algae causes diarrhetic shellfish poisoning and can cause
diarrhea.

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