2012 Outbreak of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Linked to Clams, Alaska

Three suspected cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning were reported in one week of April, 2012, to the Alaska Section of Epidemiology. All three were the result of eating shellfish harvested in the Juneau area over Easter weekend. The first case, a man, had eaten razor clams harvested from Admiralty Island; his symptoms developed with a few hours. The next two cases, had eaten butter clams harvested from either Lincoln Island or Ralston Island over Easter weekend. The couple reported tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue and face that developed a few hours after eating the clams.

Overview

Outbreak began:April 2012
Affected country:US
States/territories:AK
Pathogen:Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Vehicle(s):shellfish
Location(s):Private Home
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:3
Number hospitalized:1

Sources & documents

Report / reference links