ILOILO – Health officials have urged residents of Balasan town to avoid eating barracuda (bansa) after 26 people reported symptoms of suspected food poisoning linked to the fish.
Samples have been sent to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for testing as authorities race to identify the cause.
IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said the incident began on Aug. 24 when eight patients were rushed to the Jesus M. Colmenares District Hospital after experiencing dizziness, rashes, numbness, chest tightness, and fatigue following a meal of barracuda purchased from the town’s public market.
The Balasan Primary Care Facility later confirmed that 26 individuals — including members of the fish seller’s own family — were affected.
All patients were treated in either the outpatient department or the emergency room, with no hospital admissions required.
“At present, all affected individuals are improving,” Quiñon said.
Fish samples have been submitted to BFAR for laboratory analysis.
“Through their testing, we may learn what toxin or contaminants were present in the fish. For now, we are waiting for BFAR’s results and their advisory on this health event,” Quiñon explained.
The Balasan Primary Care Facility has intensified monitoring of the community and issued an advisory. “While the cause of the symptoms is still under investigation, residents are advised to avoid eating large fish, especially barracuda,” Quiñon said.
Food poisoning is an illness caused by consuming contaminated food, though health experts noted that certain large reef fish, including barracuda, may naturally carry toxins./PN
