TACLOBAN CITY 鈥� Bodies of water encompassing parts of Leyte and Eastern Samar still tested positive for a toxic microorganism that causes red tide.
In a Feb. 26 advisory, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) maintained a local red tide warning in Leyte, Leyte, and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar covering the municipalities of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo, where samples remain positive for pyrodinium bahamense, a dinoflagellate known for producing the red tide toxin.
BFAR has strictly prohibited the harvesting, selling, and eating of all shellfish and 鈥渁lamang鈥� or small shrimps from these areas to prevent the risk of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
Fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs in these areas are considered safe for human consumption, provided they are fresh, washed thoroughly, and their internal organs, such as gills and intestines, removed before cooking.
BFAR continues to monitor these areas to safeguard public health and protect the shellfish industry. The agency also regularly analyzes water samples through its regional laboratory in Tacloban City in Leyte to ensure that shellfish from different bays are safe for human consumption.
Red tide is a term used to describe a phenomenon where the water gets discolored by high algal biomass or the concentration of algae.
Consuming toxic shellfish could lead to PSP, which affects the nervous system within 30 minutes after consumption.
Symptoms of PSP include tingling of the lips and tongue, which spreads to the face, neck, fingertips, and toes. It will also lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea, among others.
In severe cases, BFAR said muscular paralysis and difficulty in breathing may occur within five to 12 hours.
So far, there is no antidote or direct treatment for PSP, but BFAR said symptoms may be treated by inducing vomiting and pumping the stomach.
Authorities strongly urged residents to comply with the advisory to avoid health risks.