Toxic red tide detected in parts of Visayas, Mindanao —BFAR

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned the public against consuming all types of shellfish and "alamang" gathered in parts of Visayas and Mindanao. 

In an advisory dated March 15, the BFAR said all types of shellfish (mussels, oysters, clams, etc.) and alamang (Acetes sp.) gathered from the following areas are NOT safe to eat:

• Coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate
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Toxic red tide detected in 8 areas in Visayas, Mindanao
Toxic red tide seen in 10 areas, BFAR says
Toxic red tide detected in 8 areas —BFAR
• Coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City of Bohol
• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur
• San Pedro Bay in Samar

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• Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar
• Coastal Waters of San Benito in Surigao del Norte.

BFAR, however, noted that fish, squids, shrimps (except their heads) and crabs are safe to eat so long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

The Department of Health (DOH), meanwhile, warned that signs and symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning have a rapid onset and can be felt within 12 hours after eating unsafe shellfish.

The DOH said these include numbness around the mouth or face; dizziness; pricking sensation and/or paralysis of hands and feet; body weakness; rapid pulse; difficulty talking, swallowing, or breathing; and headache. 

"Prevention is the best: do NOT eat tahong, talaba, halaan, other shellfish, and alamang from areas identified with toxic red tide," said DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa. —VAL, GMA Integrated News