Paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit has been detected in 10 areas in Visayas and Mindanao, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported.
In its shellfish bulletin dated Aug. 8, Thursday, BFAR said red tide toxins were detected in shellfishes collected and tested from the following areas:
- Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur
- coastal waters of San Benito in Surigao del Norte
- coastal waters of Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay
- coastal waters of Daram Island in Samar
- coastal waters of Zumarraga Island in Samar
- coastal waters of Cambatutay Bay in Samar
- Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar
- Cancabato Bay in Leyte
- Irong-Irong Bay in Samar
- Villareal Bay in Samar
BFAR warned that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the concerned areas are “not safe for human consumption.”
Meanwhile, BFAR said fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are “safe for human consumption,” provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs like gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
Eating toxin contaminated-shellfish can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning in humans, according to the BFAR.
After ingestion, the poison affects the nervous system, with symptoms occurring within 30 minutes.
“Severity depends on the amount of toxin ingested. Initial reactions are tingling of the lips and tongue, which spreads to the face, neck, fingertips and toes. Headache, dizziness and nausea follow,” it said.
“In severe cases, muscular paralysis and respiratory difficulty may occur within five to twelve hours. Fatalities from respiratory paralysis have been reported,” it added. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
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