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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 7) reminded members of the public to be extra cautious when consuming coral reef fish as they could contain ciguatoxin, which may cause food poisoning.
The appeal followed two reports of suspected ciguatoxin poisoning involving eight people who dined at the same restaurant in Kwun Tong on the evening of April 2 and sought medical treatment today.
In the first case, a man and three women aged from 34 to 62 developed symptoms of ciguatoxin poisoning including nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and limb, oral and facial numbness, about five to 11 hours after eating a coral reef fish in the restaurant.
They sought medical treatment from the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital today and none required hospitalisation. All of them are in a stable condition.
The second case involved three males and a female, aged seven to 47, who consumed a coral reef fish at the same restaurant. They developed symptoms about six to 12 hours afterwards.
Two of them consulted the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital today and the other two consulted private doctors. None required hospitalisation. They are now in a stable condition.
The CHP's investigations revealed that the fish involved in the cases was believed to be a Tiger Grouper.
To prevent ciguatera fish poisoning, members of the public should observe the following measures:
* Eat less coral reef fish.
* Eating small amounts of coral reef fish 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 higher concentrations 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 it when the source is doubtful.
Ends/Friday, April 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:19
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