BFAR warns of red tide in Western Samar

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned the public against eating shellfish from Irong-Irong Bay in Western Samar, after it tested positive for the red tide toxin.

A radio dzBB report on Saturday said the BFAR prohibited the harvesting and consumption of all types of shellfish and "alamang" from Irong-Irong Bay.

The bureau clarified that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that these are fresh and cleaned thoroughly and all internal organs are removed before cooking.

Eating shellfish products with red tide toxins – which form during long dry spells – can cause a possibly fatal illness called paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Persons suffering from PSP will experience symptoms such as the tingling of lips and tongue, minutes after eating poisonous shellfish and developing within two hours.

Symptoms may progress to other areas of the body depending on the amount of toxins a person has ingested: first, a tingling of fingers and toes, then loss of control of arms and legs, followed by difficulty in breathing. Paralysis of chest and abdominal muscles may also take place.

With the paralysis of the muscles that aid a person’s breathing, death can come in as rapidly as two hours. —John Ted Cordero/ALG, GMA News