Guatemala declares alert for shellfish contamination that has already left one dead – ISTOÉ DINHEIRO

Guatemala declared a red alert on Saturday for the contamination of molluscs caused by the red tide that affects the coast of the South Pacific and has already left one dead, the Ministry of Health said.

The measure was taken by the National Commission for the Surveillance and Control of Toxic Red Tide in Guatemala, because the monitoring and analysis carried out showed high concentrations of saxitoxins above the appropriate limits, according to an official statement. There have been 11 confirmed cases and one dead because of shellfish poisoning since April 29.

The head of the portfolio’s Risk Management Unit, Virginia Herzing, said the presence of the toxic red tide, caused by the increase in harmful algae, was detected off the coast of Tiquisate municipality. In view of this, she asked the population to avoid the consumption of bivalve molluscs, such as mussels, since “it produces severe intoxication and can lead to death”.

Symptoms may appear 30 to 60 minutes after consumption of the contaminated mollusc, including tingling in the lips, tongue, mouth and face; then it stretches and muscle strength is lost; paralysis, difficulty breathing, nausea, dizziness and vomiting may occur.