Public Health Response to a Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Outbreak in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Abstract
Saxitoxin Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) outbreaks are linked to the algal bloom of harmful dinoflagellates. This biotoxin can paralyse muscles and damage the nervous system, thus affecting human health. Excessive toxin concentrations can result in severe disease and fatalities. A retrospective descriptive outbreak investigation was conducted to describe the epidemiology and public health response to the PSP outbreak in Port Dickson. A suspected case was defined as any individual with neurological or gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with PSP following consumption of bivalve molluscs harvested from Port Dickson after 31 March 2024. The Negeri Sembilan State Health Department and State Fisheries Department initiated a joint emergency response after PSP cases were detected among individuals treated at a local hospital. The public health response complied with the Standard Operating Procedure for Potential Infectious Diseases. Data were obtained from official health and fisheries authorities and analysed using standard methods. The majority of patients experienced neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. The contaminated shellfish and plankton samples were confirmed to contain biotoxins and pathogens. The State Health Department and State Fisheries Department undertook the necessary biosecurity measures in response to the outbreak. Among the strategies implemented were contingency planning and emergency preparedness, risk communication and public awareness, cooperation and interagency collaboration, and securing commitment and support from stakeholders. The prompt public health actions successfully prevented further PSP exposure among the public and banned the sale and release of contaminated bivalve molluscs products.
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References
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