Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is caused by ingesting a toxin found in mussels, oysters, or clams from water where the toxin is present. Signs and symptoms typically begin between 30 minutes and three hours after eating the contaminated food. The toxins that cause PSP are not destroyed by cooking. People can reduce their risk of poisoning by only buying shellfish from reputable sources.
Local Information
2023 Statistics
Incidence rate is the number of new cases of disease divided by the number of persons at risk for the disease during a particular time period.
Cases:
0*
*Includes confirmed cases in 2023.
Incidence rate per 100,000 in 2023: 0
Incidence rate per 100,000 of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning by year
Data Sources |
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More Information about PSP |
Reporting |
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Report to the Health Unit by next business day by phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if paralytic shellfish poisoning is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7. |
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have PSP? |
| No exclusion necessary as it is not spread form person-to-person. |
Healthcare Provider Information |
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Public Health Ontario: Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Infectious Disease Protocol, Appendix 1: Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) |
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: September 2024, by CDC