Seattle News and Events for August 6- September, 2015

Activists to Celebrate the Anniversaries of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid in Downtown Seattle

Social Security Works Washington, a coalition of community and labor groups, will host an event “Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid: Celebrating Decades of Success” on August 8th starting at 1PM at Westlake Park in Seattle. Community leaders and elected officials will speak to the importance of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. The event will mark the 50th annviersary of Medicare and Medicaid and the 80th anniversary of Social Security.

All Vashon-Maury Island Beaches Closed for Shellfish Harvesting

Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) has been detected at unsafe levels in shellfish on Vashon-Maury Island. As a result, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has closed Vashon-Maury Island beaches, including Quartermaster Harbor, to recreational shellfish harvest. This closure is an expansion on a July 23 alert for Quartermaster Harbor alone.

The closure includes all species of shellfish including clams, geoduck, scallops, mussels, oysters, snails and other invertebrates; the closure does not include crab or shrimp. Crabmeat is not known to contain the PSP toxin, but the guts can contain unsafe levels. To be safe, clean crab thoroughly and discard the guts (“butter”). Working with partners, Public Health – Seattle & King County is posting advisory signs at beaches warning people to not collect shellfish.

Commercial beaches are sampled separately and commercial products should be safe to eat.

Anyone who eats PSP contaminated shellfish is at risk for illness. PSP poisoning can be life-threatening and is caused by eating shellfish containing this potent neurotoxin. A naturally occurring marine organism produces the toxin. The toxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing.

A person cannot determine if PSP toxin is present by visual inspection of the water or shellfish. For this reason, the term "red tide" is misleading and inaccurate. PSP can only be detected by laboratory testing.

Symptoms of PSP usually begin 30-60 minutes after eating the contaminated shellfish, but may take several hours. Symptoms are generally mild, and begin with numbness or tingling of the face, arms, and legs. This is followed by headache, dizziness, nausea, and loss of muscle coordination. Sometimes a floating sensation occurs. In cases of severe poisoning, muscle paralysis and respiratory failure occur, and in these cases death may occur in 2 to 25 hours.

If symptoms are mild, call your health care provider or Washington Poison Center, and Public Health. If symptoms are severe, call 911 or have someone take you to the emergency room immediately.

Recreational shellfish harvesting can be closed due to rising levels of PSP at any time. Therefore, harvesters are advised to call the DOH Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 or visit the Shellfish safety website before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Puget Sound.

Public Invited to ‘Port 101’ Education Series

The Port 101 Series is a unique opportunity to tour the Ship Canal, Airport, Duwamish River and the port's industrial Cargo terminals, and get a first-hand view of your local maritime and aviation industries at work.

Each event focuses on the port's role in the local and regional economy and the diversity of businesses supported by the port's infrastructure investment and activity.

Space is limited and advance reservations required, so reserve early. These events, including light refreshments at each, are free and open to adults 18 years and older. Priority goes to first-time Port 101 registrants. Those who register will receive a confirmation and driving and parking information by email.

For more information, visit http://www.portseattle.org/Supporting-Our-Community/Trade-Education/Pages/Port-101.aspx.

For more Seattle and Portland area events see our Community Calendar.