Warning: Mussels contain high DSP levels

Residents along the coast are warned to not harvest or eat any mussels from the Walvis Bay Aquaculture Production Area, as samples from the area revealed high levels of Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP). The situation was determined during routine sampling and testing by the Namibian Standards Institution (Nsi).

In a press release issued on Tuesday, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Permanent Secretary, Moses Maurihungirire, announced the area will be closed for harvest until further notice.
According to Maurihungirire the mussels are highly unfit for human consumption, as it may cause intense diarrhoea with a high risk of dehydration, severe abdominal pains, nausea and vomiting.
DSP and its symptoms usually set in within about half an hour of ingesting infected shellfish, and last for about one day. No deaths have been recorded from the consumption of mussels with DSP.
Maurihungirire confirmed the matter is being closely monitored as the NSi will continue to take samples to keep a close eye on the biotoxin levels.