Woman dies, 43 ill after eating mussels

[hokkien]

A 23-year-old woman died and over 40 people have been hospitalised after they ate toxic mussels due to the red-tide phenomenon.

They were rushed to three hospitals early yesterday morning after eating the mussels bought at the Inanam night market and collected along the Likas Bay beach area.

Sabah Health Director Dr Christina Rundi said 43 people, aged between two and 70, were being treated at the hospital and one man was in critical condition.

The victims were from eight villages within the Inanam area, Kolombong, Likas and one from Tuaran district, she added.

Dr Christina said people should avoid buying, selling and collecting shellfish such as clams and mussels.

The red-tide phenomenon is triggered by a deadly algae bloom, which produces toxic or harmful effects to marine life and turns the water red.

Najihah Paktta, 45, who was visiting eight of her relatives at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said all of them had consumed mussels bought from street pedlars at about 8pm on Tuesday, and detected the symptoms three hours later.

Earlier at the press conference, Sabah Fisheries Department director Rayner Stuel Galid also warned people against consuming clams and other shellfish until further notice.

"Three people have died from such cases so far," he said.

 

[Ganesha]

3 more in hospital after eating mussels

The Star/ANN | Fri Feb 15 2013
3 warded in hospital after consuming red tide-infected toxic mussels, bringing the number of victims to 46.

Kota Kinabalu, February 15, 2013

Three more people were warded at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital here after consuming red tide-infected toxic mussels, bringing the number of victims to 46.

The health department expects more people who had bought the mussels at the Inanem night market here to come forward for treatment.

The red tide phenomenon claimed its third victim on Wednesday when a 23-year-old foreigner from Kampung Inanam Jaya died from suspected poisoning after consuming shellfish bought at the market.

The shellfish was said to have been sold at just RM1.50 per plastic bag.

Sabah health department director Dr Christina Rundi said: "We don't know how many people actually consumed the clams but we advise those who ate them to seek treatment, whether or not they have symptoms."

The initial symptoms include tingling lips and tongue, a sensation of "pins and needles" on the skin, followed by loss of control of arms and legs, and breathing difficulty.

The red tide warning was first issued by the Fisheries Department on Dec 12 last year.

The phenomenon is triggered by a deadly algae bloom, which produces toxic or harmful effects to marine life and turns the water red.

 

[OrNeeKu]

Re: 3 more in hospital after eating mussels

May she rest in peace...