ILOILO City – Paralytic shellfish poison (PSP), commonly known as red tide toxin, continues to be detected in certain seawaters within the provinces of Aklan, Iloilo and Capiz, as reported in Shellfish Bulletin No. 26 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 6 on Nov. 10.
According to Director Demosthenes R. Escoto, shellfish collected and tested from the following areas still tested positive for PSP levels exceeding the regulatory limit:
* Sapian Bay in Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz
* coastal waters of Mambuquiao and Camanci, Batan in Aklan
* coastal waters of Panay, Pilar, President Roxas, and Roxas City in Capiz
* coastal waters of Gigantes Islands, Carles in Iloilo
Escoto said all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from these areas are unsafe for human consumption. Harvesting, selling, and buying are also prohibited.
He added, “Fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs are safe for human consumption, provided that they are fresh and thoroughly washed, with internal organs such as gills and intestines removed before cooking.”
Meanwhile, the following areas in the region remain free from toxic red tide:
* coastal waters of Borongon, San Dionisio in Iloilo
* coastal waters of Altavas, Batan, and New Washington in Batan Bay, Aklan
* coastal waters of E.B. Magalona, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, and Victorias City in Negros Occidental
The presence of red tide toxin was initially detected in the seawaters of Aklan, Iloilo, and Capiz provinces in the last week of August after some residents from the municipalities of Pilar, Pontevedra, and Roxas City in Capiz exhibited symptoms of poisoning.
These symptoms are primarily neurological, with an onset within 12 hours, including:
* sense of numbness around the mouth or the face
* dizziness
* pricking sensation and/or paralysis of hands and feet
* body weakness
* rapid pulse beat
* difficulty in talking, swallowing, breathing
* headache
* abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea./PN
