COUNTY BRIEFS

Health department closes shellfish areas

Several areas in Mason County have been closed for shellfish harvesting due to high levels of biotoxins that cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, according to the state Health Department.

Pickering Passage, Peale Passage and Squaxin Passage are closed for all harvesting.

Beaches closed for all harvesting are West Dougall Point, Jarrell Cove State Park and Jarrell Cove State Park East, Hope Island State Park and DNR areas 33 and 34 on Harstine Island.

Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, according to the h...