The Pacific Northwest is known for its seafood, but when algae blooms in coastal waters, it can release toxins that poison shellfish and the people who eat them. Katie Campbell of KCTS in Seattle reports on the growing prevalence and toxicity of that algae, and how scientists are studying a possible link to climate change.
Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) is one of the four recognized symptom types of shellfish poisoning, also including paralytic shellfish poisoning, neurotoxic shellfish poisoning and amnesic shellfish poisoning.
The causative poison is okadaic acid, a derivative of a fatty acid, which inhibits intestinal cellular de-phosphorylation. Cellular de-phosphorylation causes the cells to become very permeable to water and causes profuse diarrhea with a risk of dehydration. Usually no life-threatening symptoms emerge from the severe diarrhea.
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IDPH State Public Health Role in Food Safety Inspections – Illinois [PDF]
FDA Interstate Certified Shellfish Shippers List
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