BFAR: Red tide in Western Samar bay

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Friday, August 15, warned the public that Irong-Irong Bay in Western Samar has tested positive for red tide, and deemed its shellfish “not safe for human consumption.”

“Shellfishes collected at Irong-Irong Bay in Western Samar are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit,” BFAR Officer-in-Charge Drusila Esther Bayate said in an advisory Friday, August 15.

BFAR warned about “all types of shellfishes and Acetes sp. (alamang)” from the bay.”

“Meanwhile, fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for eating as long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly, with internal organs removed before cooking,” it said.

According to BFAR’s Fisheries Resources Management Division the most common shellfish poisoning syndrome in the Philippines is paralytic shellfish poisoning.

After consumption, this poison “immediately affects the nervous system,” and symptoms usually occur within 30 minutes.

Initial reactions include tingling, first in the lips and tongue, spreading to the face, neck, fingertips, and toes. Symptoms include headache, dizziness and nausea.

In severe cases, people may experience muscular paralysis and respiratory difficulty within 5 to 12 hours.

“Fatalities from respiratory paralysis have been reported,” the division said.

BFAR on Friday warned Filipinos not to harvest, sell, buy, and eat these shellfishes from the Western Samar bay. – Rappler.com

Shellfish image via Shutterstock