what is red tide poisoning

Red tide poisoning, also known as neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP), is caused by consuming shellfish that have accumulated toxins produced by a type of harmful algal bloom called red tide. Red tide is caused by a "population explosion" of toxic, naturally occurring microscopic plankton, specifically a subgroup known as dinoflagellates. These plankton produce toxins that can affect the central nervous systems of fish, birds, mammals, and other animals. When shellfish consume these plankton, the toxins accumulate in their flesh, making them dangerous to eat. Symptoms of red tide poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tingling or numbness in the mouth, lips, tongue, and extremities. Its important to note that cooking or freezing the contaminated shellfish does not destroy the toxins. To prevent red tide poisoning, its recommended to avoid eating shellfish harvested from areas affected by red tide blooms.