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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has reminded people to consume less coral reef fish to prevent ciguatera fish poisoning.
The appeal followed the CHP's investigation into a suspected ciguatoxin poisoning case affecting three people who had consumed coral reef fish.
The case involved three women, aged between 40 and 47. All of them developed symptoms of ciguatoxin poisoning including limb and oral numbness, sensations of hotness and coldness, weakness, dizziness, diarrhoea and abdominal pain two to 12 hours after eating coral reef fish in a restaurant in Lau Fau Shan on September 21.
One of them, a 42-year-old woman, sought medical treatment. No hospitalisation was required. All the affected are now in stable condition.
The investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman said ciguatera fish poisoning was not uncommon in tropical areas. It is mainly associated with the consumption of big coral reef fish which has accumulated the toxin in its body, in particular internal organs, through eating small fishes that consume toxic algae in coral reef seas.
The larger fish is therefore more likely to carry higher amounts of the toxin. However it is not easy to tell from the appearance of the fish whether it contains the toxin.
Since this is the second suspected ciguatoxin poisoning case this week, the CHP calls on the public to avoid eating coral reef fish at the moment.
People affected may show symptoms of numbness of the mouth and limbs, vomiting, diarrhoea, sensations of coldness and hotness and pain in the joints and muscles.
The spokesman said that most people affected by ciguatoxin would recover without long-term health effects.
However, if excessive amounts of toxin were consumed, the circulatory and nervous systems would be affected.
"The toxin cannot be destroyed by cooking", the spokesman said.
To prevent ciguatera fish poisoning, members of the public should observe the following measures:
* If one chooses to eat coral reef fish, consume small amounts 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, intestines and roe of coral reef fish, which usually have a higher concentration of toxin.
* When eating coral reef fish, avoid consuming alcohol, peanuts or beans as they may aggravate ciguatoxin poisoning.
* Seek medical treatment immediately should symptoms of ciguatoxin fish poisoning appear.
* Coral reef fish should be purchased from reputable and licensed seafood shops. Do not buy when the source is doubtful.
Ends/Friday, September 24, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:31
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