Three people have been treated for paralytic shellfish poisoning after eating mussels affected by a toxic algae bloom on the East Coast.
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Two of those people had to be hospitalised.
A public health warning was issued earlier this week, urging people not to eat wild shellfish from the East Coast because high levels of naturally occurring algal blooms had been detected in the area.
Wild oysters, mussels, clams, pipis, scallops, abalone, rock lobster and crab from the entire coastline are believed to be affected, including Little Swanport, the Mercury Passage, Spring Bay and Blackman Bay.
The symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning include tingling and pins and needles around the mouth, face, hands, arms and feet; unsteadiness and weakness; blurred vision; and occasionally difficulty talking, swallowing and breathing.
Acting public health director Dr Kelly Shaw warned the public that cooking shellfish would not destroy the toxins.
Anyone with these symptoms after eating wild shellfish should seek medical attention.
For more information call the Public Health Hotline – Tasmania on 1800 671 738 or visit www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/peh/alerts.