KALIBO, Aklan – A red tide alert is still raised in Mambuquiao and Camanci in Batan town.
In the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) shellfish bulletin on Nov. 24, samples collected in the coastal waters of Mambuquiao and Camanci are positive for red tide poisoning beyond the regulatory limit.
The gathering and harvesting of bivalve shellfish and alamang are prohibited and not safe for human consumption.
Shrimps, squid, fish, and crabs can still be eaten if they are washed and their internal organs are removed thoroughly.
Testing positive for red tide toxins as well are samples from the coastal waters of the Gigantes Islands, Carles, Iloilo, and in President Roxas, Pilar, Roxas City, and Sapian Bay (Sapian and Ivisan) in Capiz.
The regulatory limit set for the Philippines is 40 ug STX-equivalent per 100 grams of shellfish meat. If analysis results show that the toxin level of shellfish meat is greater than the limit, then a shellfish ban on the affected area is issued by BFAR.
Red tide is a marine phenomenon that poses a great risk to the health and economic livelihood of people in coastal areas.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) develops when a person consumes mollusks containing toxic dinoflagellates and suffers neurological and/or gastrointestinal manifestations.
PSP, according to the bureau, can further lead to a range of neurological symptoms, including numbness, tingling, weakness, and paralysis. In severe cases, paralysis can affect respiratory muscles, leading to difficulty breathing and potentially fatal outcomes.
When these symptoms are experienced, treatments may include fluid therapy, detoxification, and supportive care, such as ventilatory support or artificial respiration, for severe cases./PN
