CAPIZ — Eight members of a family in Jamindan were hospitalized after consuming “tulingan” (mackerel tuna), prompting an investigation by local health authorities.
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Capiz is currently determining whether the fish meal caused the symptoms experienced by the family.
According to Joeffry Espiritu, a representative of PHO-Capiz, the affected individuals developed skin rashes shortly after eating the fish, prompting them to seek immediate medical attention.
The patients were brought to Camp Peralta Station Hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Among those hospitalized was a nine-month-old infant, underscoring the vulnerability of young children in such incidents.
All eight patients were later discharged after receiving appropriate medical care, with health officials noting that their conditions had stabilized.
In response, PHO-Capiz has coordinated with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to investigate the possible cause of the incident, including testing for histamine levels in the consumed fish.
Elevated histamine levels, commonly associated with improperly stored fish, can lead to scombroid poisoning—a form of food poisoning characterized by symptoms such as skin rashes, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
Health officials are currently awaiting additional information from Camperalta Station Hospital to confirm whether food poisoning was indeed the cause of the symptoms.
The PHO also emphasized the importance of public awareness on proper food handling and seafood safety to prevent similar incidents.
Authorities assured the public that they remain committed to safeguarding community health and will provide updates as more information becomes available./PN
