ILOILO City – One died while 31 others were hospitalized due to suspected paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) or red tide in Pilar, Capiz.
Of the suspected cases admitted to the Bailan District Hospital, 28 were from Pilar, including the fatality. Three others were from Pontevedra, and one was from Roxas City.
The youngest victim was six years old, while the oldest was 87, according to the Capiz Epidemiological Surveillance and Response Unit (CESRU) of the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
Upon receiving the report on Aug. 22, the PHO-CESRU immediately conducted an epidemiological investigation on-site at the Municipal Health Office and the affected barangays in Pilar.
The identified cases manifested signs and symptoms, including numbness, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, and diarrhea after consuming green mussels (tahong).
PSP is a serious illness caused by eating shellfish contaminated with a toxin that is harmful to humans. The toxins are usually associated with red tide, a discoloration of seawater due to toxins released by algae.
The symptoms are usually neurological and gastrointestinal, with a rapid onset that can be felt within 12 hours after eating contaminated shellfish.
Signs and symptoms include numbness around the mouth or the face, a pricking sensation and/or paralysis of hands and feet, headaches, dizziness, body weakness, difficulty talking, swallowing, or breathing, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
PHO advised those who have experienced any symptoms to immediately consult the local health office or hospital in their area.
It also urged residents to, at the time being, avoid eating shellfish, alamang, and small fish; thoroughly wash and remove the gills and intestines of fish, squids, and crabs, and remove the heads of shrimps before cooking./PN
