16 March 2007
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism would like to alert the
public not to eat any shellfish or lobster liver on the West Coast after a
report was received of three people who became ill after eating shellfish
collected in Lamberts Bay, along the West Coast. The department is
investigating and samples are being tested at the moment.
Animals such as lobsters, that feed on toxic shellfish can accumulate the
toxins in their digestive gland with no apparent effect but will accumulate
toxins in their liver. Members of the public are therefore advised not to eat
lobster liver too.
The reported incident appears to display symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish
Poising (PSP). Typical PSP symptoms include tingling and numbness of the mouth,
lips and fingers which usually occur within the first 30 minutes after
indigestion of toxic shellfish. Advanced symptoms include dizziness, incoherent
speech, non co-ordination of limbs with slight difficulty in breathing and a
rapid pulse. In severe cases it can cause paralysis.
Anyone suspecting that they may have been poisoned should consult a doctor
immediately.
Departmental officials are monitoring the situation closely. The non-toxic
red tide persists along False Bay. The Department has a Red Tide Information
answering machine number which is (021) 434 4457. Members of the public could
call this number to get the latest updated status of the red tide.
For further information, please contact:
Blessing Manale
Acting Chief Director: Communications
Tel: (012) 310 3862
Cell: 083 677 1630
E-mail: raucamp@deat.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
16 March 2007
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.deat.gov.za)
