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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 10) called on people not to consume puffer fish following a suspected poisoning case associated with the fish.
The case involved a 61-year-old man who developed face and limb numbness, limb weakness and dizziness about four hours after consuming a puffer fish yesterday (November 9). He caught the fish in Hong Kong waters. He sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital yesterday, was not admitted to hospital, and is now in stable condition.
A CHP spokesman said puffer fish contained tetrodotoxin, a heat-stable toxin which did not decompose with boiling or cooking.
"Toxins are most concentrated in the organs such as liver, gonads and skin. Avoiding eating puffer fish is the best way to prevent puffer fish poisoning," the spokesman said.
Ends/Monday, November 10, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:01
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