Three people poisoned by Tas shellfish

Algae-infested waters along Tasmania's east coast have led to the poisoning of three people who ate toxic mussels.

Three people have been poisoned by toxic shellfish with two admitted to hospital after eating mussels harvested from algae-infested waters on Tasmania's east coast.

Authorities issued a warning on Friday not to collect or eat wild oysters, mussels, clams, pipis, scallops, abalone, rock lobster or crab from along the east coast, and it revealed on Tuesday the trio had been poisoned.

"It's important that people be aware that cooking shellfish will not destroy toxins," acting director of public health Kelly Shaw said in a statement.

Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning include tingling and pins and needles, unsteadiness and weakness, blurred vision and sometimes difficulty talking, swallowing or breathing.

It can lead to serious illness and sometimes death.

Several commercial shellfish harvesting sites have been closed because of these algal blooms.

Shellfish from shops remains safe to eat because the Tasmanian industry is closely monitored with safeguards in place.


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Source: AAP


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