May 7, 1999
The Department of Health today reminded members of the public the risk of paralytic shellfish poisoning in the consumption of scallops.
A spokesman for the Department said: "It is a natural phenomenon that shellfish such as scallops could accumulate toxin in their bodies since they obtain nutrients by filtering sea water."
"The risk of paralytic shellfish poisoning is higher if people also consume the viscerae of the scallops."
Common symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning include numbness or burning feeling of the lips, blurred vision, weakness, headache and dizziness.
The spokesman noted that there were two cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) reported on Wednesday (May 5) and today (May 7). Earlier in mid-April (Apr 18), there was another case of PSP reported.
The three cases involved a total of seven persons. All of them consumed scallops at home. They had all been treated and discharged from hospitals.
To reduce the chance of paralytic shellfish poisoning, members of the public are advised:-