ILOILO – A total of 66 residents across multiple towns in Iloilo were affected by a food poisoning incident linked to fish consumption, but health authorities said the situation is now under control, with most patients already recovered and only three remaining hospitalized.
The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) confirmed that the cases were attributed to suspected scombroid fish poisoning after victims reportedly consumed aloy or tulingan sourced from ambulant vendors and wet markets.
IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said the number of active cases has significantly declined, with only a few patients completing treatment in hospitals.
“Out of this 66 cases, three na lang ang admitted. May ara one admitted sa Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital in Cabatuan and duha sa Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center in Barotac Nuevo but good news, for completion naman lang sila sa ila bulong nga ginahatag sa ila and all the rest naka-recover naman,” Quiñon said.
Quiñon noted that no fatalities were recorded, attributing this to early consultation by patients at Rural Health Units (RHUs) and district hospitals.
Health data showed that among the 66 cases, 29 experienced rashes, 27 reported chest discomfort, 18 had difficulty breathing, 15 suffered dizziness, 14 experienced flushing or a sensation of heat, and 11 had vomiting.
The cases were recorded from April 6 to April 10, following the consumption of the suspected fish products.
The affected areas include Banate (nine cases), Mina (nine), Passi City (nine), Dumangas (seven), San Enrique (six), Barotac Viejo (four), Janiuay (four), Balasan (three), Barotac Nuevo (three), Anilao (two), Cabatuan (two), and one case each in Alimodian, Calinog, Dueñas, Miag-ao, Pototan, Sara, and Tigbauan.
Quiñon explained that scombroid fish poisoning occurs when certain fish species are improperly stored, leading to increased histamine levels.
“Ini sia sia naga-release sang histamine, amo na nga nagaka-allergy ang pasyente. Pero it doesn’t mean nga kon ma-allergy sia all throughout indi na sia makakaon sang isda,” she said.
She urged fish vendors and consumers to ensure that fish being sold and purchased are fresh to prevent similar incidents.
“Kon kita naton nga indi na manami ang condition sang isda, indi na sia fresh, indi ta na lang gid pagbaligya kay kadamo gid sang nagaka-allergy,” Quiñon added.
The IPHO also reminded the public to immediately seek medical attention if symptoms of food poisoning appear, especially after consuming fish, to ensure early management and avoid complications./PN
