Amnesic shellfish poisoning facts for kids
Amnesic shellfish poisoning is a serious illness. It happens when people eat shellfish that have a special kind of poison called domoic acid. This poison can make people very sick and even cause lasting memory problems.
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What is Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning?
Amnesic shellfish poisoning is an illness caused by a natural poison called domoic acid. This acid is a toxin that can harm living things.
How Shellfish Become Poisonous
Tiny ocean plants called diatoms sometimes make domoic acid. These diatoms are very small, like microscopic algae. When shellfish like mussels, clams, or oysters eat these diatoms, the poison builds up in their bodies. The shellfish themselves are not harmed, but they become dangerous to eat.
What Happens if You Eat Poisoned Shellfish?
When people eat shellfish that contain domoic acid, they can get very sick. The symptoms can be serious. They might include:
- Feeling sick to your stomach and vomiting
- Getting a headache
- Feeling confused
- Having problems with your memory, sometimes even permanent memory loss
- In very serious cases, it can cause brain damage
When Was This Illness Discovered?
This disease was first discovered in 1987. It happened in eastern Canada. Many people became sick after eating shellfish from a restaurant. Sadly, some people died during that outbreak.
Can Animals Get Sick Too?
Yes, animals can also get amnesic shellfish poisoning. Birds, especially, can get sick if they eat poisoned shellfish. When birds are poisoned, they might lose their ability to fly straight. This can cause them to crash into things like cars or house windows.
Why Are There More Cases Now?
Scientists have noticed that this illness is happening more often in recent years. They are studying why this might be. It could be related to changes in ocean conditions.
Keeping People Safe
In places like the United States, there are strict rules to keep people safe.
- It is against the law to catch and sell shellfish without a special license.
- Shellfish that are caught must be tested often for domoic acid.
- If the poison is found, the government will stop people from fishing or selling shellfish in that area. This helps prevent people from getting sick.
