Ciguatera poisoning is a type of food poisoning that results from eating large reef-dwelling fish whose flesh contains concentrated ciguatoxin. Ciguatoxin accumulates in these fish from preying on smaller fish that eat tiny sea organisms called dinoflagellates.
Ciguatoxin is odorless, tasteless, and heat stable, meaning it cannot be destroyed by cooking or boiling. Ciguatera poisoning symptoms are delayed, usually appearing within three to six hours after the fish is eaten.
Commonly affected reef fish include:
Typical symptoms of ciguatera poisoning include:
Treatment depends on severity of symptoms. For mild symptoms:
• Drink liquids for hydration.
• Take an anti-allergy medicine (antihistamine) if an itchy rash develops.
If more significant symptoms are present, call NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or chat from this site for questions or further treatment advice.
