CHP investigates suspected case of paralytic shellfish poisoning
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The case involves two males, one aged 57 and the other aged 17. Their family member bought whelk from a seafood store in Causeway Bay and cooked it at home yesterday (June 21). About 30 minutes after eating it, they developed dizziness, generalised weakness in their limbs, blurred vision, diplopia, facial numbness on one side and vertigo. Both patients attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Ruttonjee Hospital on the same day. The 57-year-old patient was discharged after receiving treatment, while the 17-year-old patient was transferred to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment. He remains hospitalised and is in stable condition.
Preliminary investigation revealed that both patients had consumed whelk, including its organs, and they are suspected of poisoning as a result. The CHP has referred the case to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for follow-up. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin is a natural toxin sometimes found in bivalve shellfish. It is heat-stable and cannot be destroyed through cooking.
The symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning are predominantly neurological, and the onset is usually within minutes to hours after ingestion of the shellfish. Initial symptoms may include tingling, numbness of the mouth and extremities, a headache, dizziness and gastrointestinal discomfort. In the majority of cases, symptoms are resolved completely within a few days. In severe cases, difficulty in swallowing and speech, paralysis with respiratory arrest and even death may occur.
Members of the public should seek medical advice immediately if they develop shellfish poisoning symptoms, and save any leftovers for investigation and laboratory testing.
To reduce the risk of shellfish poisoning, the public should:
- Buy shellfish from reliable and licensed seafood shops;
- Remove the viscera, gonads and roe before cooking and discard any cooking liquid before consumption;
- Eat a smaller amount of shellfish in any one meal; and
- When symptoms occur after consuming shellfish, seek medical advice immediately.
Ends/Monday, June 22, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:55
Issued at HKT 18:55
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