Ciguatera Fish poisoning, a cause for concern [Source: Ambergris Today]

Six people died in Gau last year as a result of consuming fish that was contaminated with the Ciguatera toxin.

With a number of cases of Ciguatera fish poisoning reported, the Fisheries Ministry is reiterating its advisory to the public to abstain from eating certain fish that may contain the harmful toxin.

Minister responsible, Semi Koroilavesau, says there are around 20 fish species that are at risk of consuming the Ciguatera toxin, which is produced by marine micro-algae, prevalent in our seas at this time of the year.

“Because of the warm climate that we are experiencing now until about April next year so fish poisoning would be quite common and there are common species that is common with Ciguatera Fish Poisoning. Yellow Tail Barracuda, Ogo Buidromo, Daniva which last year had a huge impact where fish poisoning did occur in Gau and there were a lot of fatalities there.”

Ciguatera poisoning usually starts two to 24 hours after eating fish containing the toxin.

Symptoms include numbness in fingers, toes, lips, mouth and throat, a burning sensation on contact with cold water, joint and muscle pain as well as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches.