Scientists: 'Massive' PSP episode threatens Ketchikan area

According to KRBD-FM, scientists with a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration lab that tracks toxic algae blooms in Alaska say they've found some of the highest concentrations of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins "ever recorded in the world" in samples of shellfish taken near Ketchikan recently, far, far greater than what is deemed safe for human consumption. Scientists also say the size of the PSP-causing algae bloom itself is alarmingly high, and is very early this year, though why that's the case isn't known. Following reports this week of numerous possible PSP cases and two hospitalizations in Metlakatla, public health officials are worried that people's lives are in danger and are encouraging people not to eat personally harvested shellfish. Paralytic shellfish poisoning can kill a person in as little as two hours, and no amount or method of cooking renders the toxin safe. Listen to much more, here, especially if you wonder what scientists sound like when they're about to totally freak out.