Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Canary Islands

The Public Health Department of the Government of the Canary Islands has reported 6 cases of ciguatera fish poisoning. The patients consumed medregal fish. In general, there are 3 o4 4 cases of this illness reported every year in these islands.

Advice

Ciguatera fish poisoning is a foodborne illness caused by eating reef fish whose flesh is contaminated with certain toxins. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, vomiting, numbness, itchiness, sensitivity to hot and cold, dizziness, and weakness. The onset of symptoms varies with the amount of toxin eaten from half an hour to up to two days. Diarrhoea may last for up to four days. Some symptoms typically remain for a few weeks to months. Heart difficulties such as slow heart rate and low blood pressure may also occur. There is no specific treatment for ciguatera fish poisoning.

To avoid ciguatera toxins, travellers should avoid eating high-risk reef fish such as barracuda and avoid eating fish liver, roe, or fish heads.