Abstract
A screening of human phycotoxin poisoning symptoms was done in the coastal communities of Nigeria, every quarter for one year, using structured questionnaires. A multi-stage sampling technique consisting of cluster, snowballing, convenience purposive and random sampling was applied in the study. Based on the responses, a total of 17 Harmful algal toxin-related poisoning symptoms were recorded from respondents, who experienced these symptoms from seafood consumption. The symptoms were Balance difficulty, Breathing difficulty, Burning sensation, Chills, Confusion, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Body itching, Headache, Memory loss, Mouth tingling, Muscle pain, Nausea, Rashes, Abdominal pain, Tiredness and Vomiting. These could be grouped into five categories of diseases namely, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Neurological, Dermatological, and Musculo-Skeletal symptoms. The most commonly experienced symptoms were vomiting (24%), mouth tingling (21%), Nausea (14%), diarrhea (11%), headache (10%), tiredness (9%) and body itching (8%) and the least were muscle pain, rashes, confusion, chills, dizziness, balance difficulty burning sensation, breathing difficulty and abdominal pain. Statistical analyses revealed a nexus and significant relationship between visible symptoms and: seafood; season; water colour; habitats/environment of dead seafood and age of respondents. Symptoms enlisted are reminiscent of harmful algal blooms, with grave consequences for public health, commercial fisheries, recreation, tourism, monitoring/management. Therefore, preventive measures, requiring routine monitoring of water bodies, coupled with greater public awareness is suggested for early detection of occurrence of toxin-producing symptoms.
Highlights
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing in frequency and intensity in coastal regions globally [1] [2]
The risk of HAB-related illness is further exacerbated by quest and preference for healthy heart diets, insurgence to travel to coastal destination, increase in coastal urban population coupled with marine recreation
A study of the nature-human phycotoxin poisoning symptoms is very novel in Nigeria in general and coastal areas of Nigeria in particular
Summary
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing in frequency and intensity in coastal regions globally [1] [2]. These harmful algal blooms are undergoing geographical expansion via a myriad of mechanisms such as natural environmental factors (hurricanes, earthquakes, ideal growth and transport conditions and physiological adaptation of bloom-forming species); anthropogenic activities (increased eutrophication, marine transportation, ballast water transport aquaculture development); and climate change [3] [4]. The consequences of harmful algae include intoxication of shellfish tissue causing several illnesses or even death of marine wildlife and people as well as depriving citizens of vital recreational opportunities in addition to hampering the supply of drinking water. HABs are characterized by patches of discolored water, dead or dying fish, and respiratory irritants in the air [7]
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