Ciguatera Fish Poisoning — New York City, 2010–2011
Eating large, tropical, predatory reef fish, such as barracuda and grouper, may put consumers at risk for ciguatera fish poisoning. Until recently ciguatera fish poisoning was fairly uncommon in New York City, where there has now been a large increase in cases among people who have eaten locally purchased barracuda or grouper. Although some of the initial symptoms (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) resemble other types of food poisoning, the neurological symptoms, like difficulty walking, weakness, tooth pain and reverse temperature sensation may also occur and can persist for months. Currently, there is no practical way to test fish before they come to market, so current efforts to prevent ciguatera depend on knowing which fishing areas have fish that might contain ciguatoxins, as well as accurate diagnosis and consistent reporting by health care providers to local public health agencies. Fish with ciguatoxins do not look sick. Ciguatoxins do not hurt the fish. Fish with ciguatoxins do not look, smell or taste differently from fish without ciguatoxins.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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