Six areas test positive for red tide toxin — BFAR

Shellfish collected in six areas in the country have tested positive for toxic red tide, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported.

In a bulletin dated Nov. 22, the BFAR said shellfish from the following areas in Visayas and Mindanao were found to be positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit:

• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur
• Coastal waters of Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay Province
• Coastal waters of Daram Island in Samar
• Zumarraga Island in Samar
• Irong-Irong Bay in Samar
• Coastal waters of Leyte in Leyte

The BFAR bulletin indicated a warning not to harvest, sell, buy, or eat shellfish from these areas.

"All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas shown above are NOT SAFE for human consumption," the BFAR said.

"Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking," it added.

Meanwhile. the BFAR said Biliran Island in Biliran province, Cambatutay Bay in Samar, and Cariagara Bay in Leyte "are now free for toxic red tide."

In a previous advisory, the BFAR said eating toxin contaminated-shellfish can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning in humans.

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