Shellfish poisoning kills 2, downs 16 in Samar

At least two people died while 16 others were downed by shellfish poisoning in a coastal town in Western Samar province last weekend, authorities said Tuesday.

 

The affected residents were from Gallego and Bahay villages in the coastal town of Tarangnan, state-run Philippines News Agency reported.

 

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources provincial head Rolando Ay-ay said the victims reportedly ate "tahong" (mussels) before suffering from symptoms of food poisoning.

 

His report indicated a man and his son, who were not immediately identified, died before they could be brought to a hospital.

 

At least 12 other people were brought to Tarangnan Community Hospital while four others were broughtto Calbayog City District Hospital (CCDH) and the Samar Provincial Hospital.

 

Following the incident, the BFAR reminded the public not to eat or harvest mussels and other shellfish even as it tries to confirm the presence of red tide toxins in the area.

 

It has gathered water and mussel samples for analysis by the BFAR's regional office.  — ELR, GMA News