TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2015//
TI  - Lethal paralytic shellfish poisoning from consumption of green mussel broth, Western Samar, Philippines, August 2013
JO  - Western Pacific surveillance and response journal
A1  - Ching, Paola Katrina
A1  - Ramos, Ruth Alma
A1  - de Los Reyes, Vikki Carr
A1  - Sucaldito, Ma Nemia
A1  - Tayag, Enrique
SP  - 22
EP  - 26
VL  - 6
IS  - 2
N2  - BACKGROUND: In July 2013, the Philippines' Event-Based Surveillance & Response Unit received a paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) report from Tarangnan, Western Samar. A team from the Department of Health conducted an outbreak investigation to identify the implicated source and risk factors in coastal villages known for green mussel production and exportation. <br><br>METHODS: A case was defined as a previously well individual from Tarangan, Western Samar who developed gastrointestinal symptoms and any motor and/or sensory symptoms after consumption of shellfish from 29 June to 4 July 2013 in the absence of any known cause. The team reviewed medical records, conducted active case finding and a case-control study. Relatives of cases who died were interviewed. Sera and urine specimens, green mussel and seawater samples were tested for saxitoxin levels using high performance liquid chromatography. <br><br>RESULTS: Thirty-one cases and two deaths were identified. Consumption of > 1 cup of green mussel broth was associated with being a case. Seawater sample was positive for Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum and green mussel samples were positive for saxitoxin. Inspection revealed villagers practice open defecation and improper garbage disposal. <br><br>CONCLUSION: This PSP outbreak was caused by the consumption of the green mussel broth contaminated by saxitoxin. As a result of this outbreak, dinoflagellate and saxitoxin surveillance was established, and since the outbreak, there have been no harmful algal blooms event or PSP case reported since. A "Save Cambatutay Bay" movement, focusing on proper waste disposal practice and clean-up drives has been mobilized.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 2094-7321
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.5365/WPSAR.2015.6.1.004
ID  - ref1
ER  -