ILOILO — Twenty residents across Iloilo province were struck by suspected fish poisoning after consuming aloy, prompting health authorities to issue an advisory urging the public to temporarily avoid buying and eating the species while an investigation into its source is ongoing.
Aloy is a small- to medium-sized tuna or tuna-like fish species.
Data from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) showed that as of 7 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, foodborne illness cases had been recorded in multiple areas: six in Passi City; three each in Dumangas, Banate, San Enrique, and Balasan; and one each in Dueñas and Mina.
Most of the affected individuals sought hospital care, with 17 admitted to district hospitals and three consulting at their respective Rural Health Units (RHUs).
“Gina-monitor naton ang status sang mga pasyente, kun na-discharge na or ara pa gihapon sa ospital. While 20 cases pa lang, continuously gina-monitor naton aton mga RHUs kag hospitals kun may ara pa nga nagdugang,” said Dr. Rodney Labis, head of the Health Service Delivery Division of the IPHO.
Initial investigation revealed that symptoms began appearing on April 6 and 7 after patients reportedly consumed aloy purchased from fishmongers.
Patients exhibited symptoms consistent with food poisoning, including rashes, dizziness, palpitations, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and swelling — conditions believed to be linked to “scombroid fish poisoning.”
Labis explained that the illness is caused by histamine buildup in improperly stored fish such as tuna or mackerel.
“Kun indi ma-properly store ang isda nga aloy, nagataas ang chemical sa isda nga naga-cause sang allergy. So, after konsumo sini, maka-eksperensya ang pasyente sang palanghabal or rashes, lingin ulo or sakit ulo, palpitation or nagadasig ang pitik sang kurason, katol ang dila or baba, suka, sakit ka tyan, kag lupot,” he explained.
Health officials stressed that proper storage — immediately placing fish in ice and maintaining temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius — is critical to prevent contamination.
Proper handling during preparation, including cleanliness of hands and utensils, is also essential.
Authorities advised that individuals who experience symptoms after consuming aloy should immediately seek medical attention at RHUs or hospitals.
Amid the ongoing probe, the IPHO strongly urged the public to temporarily refrain from purchasing and consuming aloy until the source of contamination is identified.
“Kay basi ang aton mabakal ang naghalin pa or kaupod sang batch nga nag-cause sang sintomas sang mga pasyente,” Labis said.
The IPHO has also mobilized all 43 Municipal Health Offices (MHOs) in Iloilo to intensify advocacy campaigns on safe fish handling and the temporary avoidance of aloy to prevent further cases.
Authorities continue to trace whether the contaminated fish came from a single source as surveillance remains heightened across the province./PN
