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PSP in Central America

Since September, concentrations of Pyrodinium bahamense var compressa and Gymnodinium catenatum have been increasing at the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. According to the press, 18 people have been hospitalized during the last 24 hours. Vector is Spondylus calcifer (ostion vaca) During 1999, Drs.M. Kodama and T. Ogata, from Kitasato University, kindly analized shellfish samples to estimate concentration of toxins. Toxins were found to increase to dangerous levels during the rainy season (Sept. through Nov.).

Although Heath and Fisheries authorities were notified few weeks ago, about the toxic red tide present throughout the Pacific coast, no information or alert were issued to the public.

Roxana Viquez
Laboratorio Fitoplancton Marino
Universidad Nacional
Apdo. 126-5400
Puntarenas Costa Rica rviquezm@una.ac.cr