Red tide still present in waters off Masbate, western Mindanao

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the red tide alert is still up in Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental, and the coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate. In its 23rd and latest shellfish bulletin for the year, issued on September 28, BFAR said shellfish collected in the mentioned areas are still testing positive for paralytic shellfish poison beyond the regulatory limit, and advised the public not to consume shellfish acquired there. “All types of shellfish and/or 'alamang' gathered from the areas mentioned are not safe for human consumption,” said the bulletin. “Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption considered they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” it also said. Ingestion of red tide-affected shellfish can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP),which could be fatal. Early symptoms of PSP include tingling of the lips and tongue, which may begin within minutes or as long as two hours of eating poisonous shellfish. If a person consumes enough poison, the muscles of the chest and abdomen become paralyzed. Death can result in as little as two hours, depending on the amount of toxin ingested, as a result of the paralysis. — Gian C. Geronimo/BM, GMA News