ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) -- State officials have shut down mussel harvesting along a portion of the north Oregon Coast.

There was concern over elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP toxins which are produced by algae and originate in the ocean.

The closure applies to a 25-mile stretch of beach in Clatsop County.

Scallops are not affected by this closure if only the adductor muscle is eaten; eating whole scallops is not recommended.

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The toxins do not affect crabs.

The toxins can cause minor to severe illness, or even death.

Severe poisoning symptoms include dizziness, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, paralysis of the arms and legs, and paralysis of the muscles used for breathing.