Attorney Asis G. Perez, Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Agriculture, in Quezon City confirmed in Shellfish Bulletin No. 16, Series of 2013 on July 9, 2013 that the “Coastal Waters of Calbayog City” are now “positive for red tide toxin.” According to the Bulletin, “all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang” are “NOT SAFE for human consumption.” Directer Perez advises that people should, therefore, not harvest, not sell, not buy, and not eat shellfish and alamang. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Local Government Units (LGUs) conducted the laboratory tests of water samples.
In Calbayog, Rosario Delabajan, Agricultural Technologist, and Angelica Realino, Senior Agriculturist, examined water samples of nine locations. The two examiners found that toxin levels from these nine locations exceeded the “Normal Cell” count of 5 red cells per liter of water. These nine locations include Carayman (461 red cells per liter), San Policarpo (263 red cells per liter), Tinambacan (tested at 164 red cells per liter), Manguino-o (162 red cells per liter), Malajog (159 red cells per liter), Calbayog (101 red cells per liter), the Mouth of Hibatang River (42 red cells per liter), Salhag (16 red cells per liter), and San Joaquin (14 red cells per liter). These water samples were collected and examined yesterday, July 11, 2013.
The effects of red tide, among others, are numbness around the mouth or face area, dizziness, paralysis of hands and feet, body weakness, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Gradual respiratory paralysis may cause death in severe cases. In case of red tide poisoning, you should seek medical attention immediately because there is no antidote for the red tide toxin. If going to the hospital is not possible or access to a medical facility or doctor is remote, coconut milk and brown sugar may be administered to a patient to lessen the effects of toxicity. It is, however, still highly recommended to bring the patient to a hospital for proper medical management. For any concerns relating to red tide poisoning, you should contact your nearest health care facility.
In Calbayog, Rosario Delabajan, Agricultural Technologist, and Angelica Realino, Senior Agriculturist, examined water samples of nine locations. The two examiners found that toxin levels from these nine locations exceeded the “Normal Cell” count of 5 red cells per liter of water. These nine locations include Carayman (461 red cells per liter), San Policarpo (263 red cells per liter), Tinambacan (tested at 164 red cells per liter), Manguino-o (162 red cells per liter), Malajog (159 red cells per liter), Calbayog (101 red cells per liter), the Mouth of Hibatang River (42 red cells per liter), Salhag (16 red cells per liter), and San Joaquin (14 red cells per liter). These water samples were collected and examined yesterday, July 11, 2013.
The effects of red tide, among others, are numbness around the mouth or face area, dizziness, paralysis of hands and feet, body weakness, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Gradual respiratory paralysis may cause death in severe cases. In case of red tide poisoning, you should seek medical attention immediately because there is no antidote for the red tide toxin. If going to the hospital is not possible or access to a medical facility or doctor is remote, coconut milk and brown sugar may be administered to a patient to lessen the effects of toxicity. It is, however, still highly recommended to bring the patient to a hospital for proper medical management. For any concerns relating to red tide poisoning, you should contact your nearest health care facility.
