THE ministry of fisheries and marine resources issued a warning today (28 March) that oysters and black mussels in the port area near Pelican Point, where many marine culture farms are, tested positive for diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP).
According to the notice, DSP produces gastrointestinal symptoms, usually beginning within 30 minutes to a few hours after the consumption of toxic shellfish.
Although not fatal, the illness is characterised by incapacitating diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
“The general public is advised to seek immediate medical attention once they notice the above symptoms after they consume molluscan shellfish,” the notice reads.
According to chief fisheries biologist Frikkie Botes, this is a seasonal occurrence, especially during summer time, and is mostly prevalent in “aquaculture production area 1” near Pelican Bay.
“We do this for the safety of consumers, and for our export market. Once we have negative results for samples, we will announce that the shellfish is safe to consume again,” he said.
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