Suspected ciguatera poisoning case under investigation

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a report of suspected ciguatera poisoning involving six people.

Initial investigations revealed that the affected people, two men and four women aged between 36 and 51, developed symptoms of ciguatoxin poisoning including limb numbness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting two to 15 hours after eating coral reef fish during a banquet in a hotel in Tsuen Wan on May 1.

One sought medical treatment from a private doctor and another one was admitted to a public hospital for treatment. All victims were in stable condition.

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 buy it when the source is doubtful.
*Eating less coral reef fish, especially fish weighing over three catties.
*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.

End/Tuesday, May 3, 2005