14/03/2005: A red tide
has been detected along the entire West Coast,
from Doring Baai southwards, into False Bay
and Walkers Bay as far east as Cape Agulhas.
Members of the public are strongly advised
not to collect and/or eat any mussels or other
filter feeding organisms such as red bait
and oysters in the affected area until further
notice, as these organisms could be highly
toxic and extremely dangerous.
Reports received by the department indicate
that several people have been reported ill
with Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) symptoms
after allegedly eating mussels from the Melkbos/Blouberg
area.
Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) has
also been reported from the Hermanus area.
Typical PSP symptoms include tingling and
numbness of the mouth, lips and fingers, difficulty
in breathing, accompanied by general muscular
weakness and lack of coordination. In severe
cases it can cause paralysis. Symptoms of
DSP are vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea.
Anyone suspecting that they may have been
poisoned should consult a doctor as soon as
possible.
Scientists from the department are taking
daily water and mussel samples to monitor
the situation and to determine the levels
of toxicity.
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.
