CHP investigates suspected ciguatoxin poisoning case cluster
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A 61-year-old female and a 70-year-old male bought coral trout at the Hung Hom Market yesterday (September 3). They cooked and ate the fish at home. About three hours later, both of them developed nausea and diarrhoea. The female patient also developed symptoms of ciguatoxin poisoning, including facial and limb numbness. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital, and remains hospitalised. She is in serious condition. Symptoms of the male patient are mild and he did not experience numbness. He did not seek medical advice.
The CHP notified the Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department of the case.
Ciguatoxin poisoning is mainly associated with the consumption of large coral reef fish that prey on small fish in coral reef areas. The small fish may have consumed toxic algae. The toxins accumulate in large coral reef fish, particularly in their internal organs. Larger fish may contain higher levels of toxins. It is difficult to tell whether a fish is toxic based on its appearance. Cooking the fish does not break down the toxin.
People affected by ciguatoxin poisoning may have symptoms such as numbness in the mouth and limbs, vomiting, diarrhoea, alternating sensations of coldness and hotness, and joint and muscle pain.
While most people affected by ciguatoxin do not suffer from long-term effects, excessive toxin intake can affect the circulatory and nervous systems. To prevent ciguatoxin poisoning, the public should:
• Eat less coral reef fish;
• Eat small portions of coral reef fish at a time, and avoid having a "whole fish feast" in which all the dishes may come from a single large coral reef fish;
• Avoid eating the head, skin, intestines and roe of coral reef fish, as these parts usually accumulate more toxins;
• Refrain from consuming alcohol, peanuts or beans when eating coral reef fish to prevent aggravating ciguatoxin poisoning;
• Seek medical treatment immediately should symptoms of ciguatoxin poisoning appear; and
• Buy coral reef fish from reputable seafood vendors. Do not buy fish of an unknown origin.
Ends/Thursday, September 4, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:45
Issued at HKT 20:45
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