Manzanillo Bay, in Colima, remains under surveillance due to the appearance of algae toxic to marine life and humans, a phenomenon known as red tide. (Government of the state of Colima).
The State Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Coespris), of Colima, in collaboration with the Federal Health System, has imposed a precautionary closure in the Bays of Manzanillo where bivalve mollusks are collected due to a red tide alert. This measure responds to the detection of specimens that produce paralyzing toxins.
This preventive action has been taken after confirming that a harmful algae has high concentrations of Gymnodinium catenatum and D. caudata, organisms whose levels exceed the limits accepted by current health regulations. When they come into contact with crabs, oysters, and other double-shelled shellfish exposed to these algae, they can generate toxins that, when consumed, result in paralyzing illnesses. Although storage and harvest areas have been kept out of danger, authorities have decided to proceed with caution to safeguard public health.
Furthermore, Coespris has reported that despite the complications presented by the swell, a phenomenon characterized by long and continuous waves due to maritime storms, rigorous surveillance is maintained in the region from Manzanillo to the borders with Jalisco. This constant monitoring aims to adapt the necessary precautionary measures based on the analyzes obtained. To strengthen information and prevention strategies, work is being done jointly with the Pacific Oceanographic Institute and the Regional Aquaculture and Fisheries Research Center.
The red tide in Colima causes paralysis in mollusks, and could have the same results in humans if foods with these toxins are consumed. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
A call has been made to the community and professionals in the sector to closely follow the recommendations issued by health authorities, emphasizing the importance of purchasing seafood in trusted establishments and handling them following the recommended hygiene standards. This set of measures seeks to prevent negative impacts on the health of the population due to the presence of marine toxins.
Ingestion of contaminated mollusks can result in serious human poisoning. Some symptoms after consuming them are drowsiness and breathing problems, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, which could lead to death from respiratory arrest within a period of 2 to 12 hours after eating these foods, according to the Ministry of Health. Health. This phenomenon is due to the accumulation of toxic dinoflagellates such as Gonyaulax catenella in the tissues of these marine animals. Despite processing at high temperatures, studies show that toxins, specifically saxitoxin, can retain up to 50% of their toxic capacity even after being cooked at 116°C.
The symptoms of red tide (SENASA) (Courtesy SENASA)
Exposure to marine biotoxins arises from the phenomenon known as red tide, when the proliferation of harmful algae begins, which increases the risk of poisoning in those who consume raw or insufficiently cooked seafood. Bivalve shellfish, which include popular varieties such as clams and oysters, are susceptible to storing these toxins due to their feeding habits based on filtering material suspended in the water. In response to the public health problem, the implementation of preventive measures is urged to protect the population, emphasizing the importance of information and education about the risks associated with the consumption of these marine products in areas affected by toxic algae.
