Health department warns residents of biotoxin increasing in Whatcom County mussels

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. – Health officials are warning of potentially deadly shellfish on Whatcom County beaches.

The Whatcom County Health Department says Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning biotoxin has increased in mussels in Whatcom County, with levels capable of causing illness detected from Lummi Bay north to the Canadian border.

County Health Officer Dr. Greg Stern says these levels are unusual and very concerning.

Recreational shellfish harvest remains closed on all Whatcom County beaches.