By Annabel Reid
Health authorities are warning against the collection of shellfish in the Bay of Plenty region after an outbreak of poisoning.
The affected areas include Tairua and the coastline south which includes Whiritoa, Whangamata, and Onemana.
The shellfish said to contain the paralytic poison are mussels, pipi, tuatua, cockles, scallops, cats-eyes and kina.
Waikato medical officer, Dr Phil Shoemack says eating the toxic shellfish is extremely dangerous and four people have been recently treated in emergency departments for consuming shellfish.
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