MUSCAT: A number of health institutions in Dhofar Governorate have registered several cases of food poisoning suspected of being linked to the consumption of sea shells that are likely to contain poisonous substances due to the red tide phenomenon, the Ministry of Health said on Monday.

In a statement issued MOH said: “In such cases, the victim may suffer from various symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, and symptoms related to the nervous system like numbness, weakness in movement, and shortness of breath,” the statement said.

The ministry has called on fishermen and consumers to take caution and beware of eating fishes and sea shells extracted from areas affected by the red tide phenomenon.

“MOH also calls upon all to stay away from the areas they suspected to be affected by the red tide phenomenon to avoid poisoning,” the statement added.