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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 28) investigating a cluster of puffer fish poisoning affecting two persons and hence reminds members of the public not to consume puffer fish.
Two male patients, aged 31 and 56, developed limb numbness, dizziness, vomiting and muscle weakness about three hours after consuming puffer fish at home for dinner yesterday (October 27). They attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital and the man aged 56 was subsequently admitted. The two have been in stable condition all along.
Investigations by the CHP are continuing.
A spokesman for the CHP explained that consumption of puffer fish is the main cause of food poisoning from tetrodotoxin. Tetrodotoxin is a potent water-soluble neurotoxin that can affect the central nervous system.
"Organs such as the liver, gonads and skin of puffer fish have high concentration of tetrodotoxin. Being heat-stable, the toxin does not decompose upon cooking, boiling, drying or freezing. Tetrodotoxin intoxication can cause problems in respiration or circulation and is potentially fatal. There is no known antidote or antitoxin. The public is advised to avoid purchasing or consumption of puffer fish to prevent tetrodotoxin-related food poisoning," the spokesman added.
Ends/Monday, October 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:09
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