There is some debate over whether or not white spot syndrome shrimp (WSS) is safe to eat. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet recommended that consumers avoid eating shrimp. But the agency has issued a warning to retailers and processors that the disease may be present in warm-water shrimp from the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America. WSS is caused by a virus, and it can lead to death in shrimp. Infected shrimp may have small white spots on their shells, and they may be lethargic or die suddenly. The virus does not pose a risk to humans, but it can cause significant losses for the shrimp farming industry.