Suspected puffer fish poisoning case under CHP investigation
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 13) investigating a suspected case of puffer fish poisoning affecting a woman aged 33, and hence reminds members of the public not to consume puffer fish.

     The patient developed numbness in her hands about 15 minutes after consuming dried puffer fish at home on September 9, which was given to her by her mother, who bought it in the Mainland. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital the next day and is currently in a stable condition.

     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 concentrations 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. Members of the public are advised to avoid purchasing and preparing puffer fish or unknown fish for consumption themselves to prevent tetrodotoxin-related food poisoning," the spokesman added.

Ends/Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:00

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