Outbreak of biotoxin closes some beaches in Washington state

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — Most recreational shellfish harvesting beaches in the Puget Sound region are closed because of a marine biotoxin that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning if consumed.

Skagit County has closed all Fidalgo Island beaches and the nearby Burrows and Allen islands for shellfish harvesting.

The Skagit Valley Herald reports Samish Bay, Padilla Bay, Guemes Island, Cypress Island and Sinclair Island beaches were already closed in July due to the biotoxins. They remain closed.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning affects the nervous and gastrointestinal systems. The state Department of Health says symptoms can range from a tingling tongue to death.