Press Release

CHP investigating ciguatoxin poisoning cases

3 July 2005

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 3) reminded members of the public to be extra cautious when consuming coral reef fish as they could contain ciguatoxin which may cause food poisoning.

The advice followed two reports of food poisoning cases suspected to be caused by fish containing ciguatoxin.

The first case involved three female persons aged between 12 and 50. They developed symptoms of ciguatoxin poisoning including face, tongue and limb numbness, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain five to 7.5 hours after eating coral reef fish bought from Shek Kip Mei Market on July 1. They sought treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. All are in stable condition and do not require hospitalization.

The second case involved a 43-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman. They ate coral reef fish bought from Shek Kip Mei Market on July 1 and developed numbness, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain about two hours after the meal. Both of them sought treatment at Caritas Medical Centre and were discharged after treatment.

In both cases, the suspected fish is believed to be Moray Eel.

To prevent ciguatera fish poisoning, members of the public should observe the following measures:

• Coral reef fish should be purchased from reputable and licensed seafood shops. Do not but it when the source is doubtful.
• Eating less coral reef fish
• Eating small amount of coral reef fish at any one meal and avoid having a whole fish feast in which all the dishes come from the same big coral reef fish.
• Avoid eating the head, skin, viscera and roe of coral reef fish which usually have higher concentration of toxin.
• When eating coral reef fish, avoid consuming alcohol, peanuts or beans as they may aggravate ciguatoxin poisoning.
• Seeking medical treatment immediately should symptoms of ciguatoxin fish poisoning appear.