A red tide alert has been issued in two more bays in Negros Oriental, as laboratory tests confirmed high levels of harmful algal blooms (HABs), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) – Negros Oriental reproted.
BFAR said that shellfish samples collected from Tambobo Bay and Siit Bay in Siaton town tested positive for saxitoxin, a potent neurotoxin that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). This condition can be fatal if left untreated.
The red tide warning for Bais Bay also remains in effect, as recent samples continue to show high concentrations of harmful toxins. Previous tests had identified pyrodinium, a type of algae that can cause various health issues. However, the latest findings indicate the presence of saxitoxin in oysters from Bais Bay.
BFAR-Negros Oriental is urging local government units to strictly enforce the shellfish ban to protect public health. The agency is also working with local authorities and businesses to raise awareness about the dangers of consuming contaminated shellfish.
Residents and visitors to the affected areas are advised to avoid collecting, consuming, or selling shellfish from these waters. Symptoms of PSP include numbness, tingling sensations, difficulty breathing, and paralysis.
