SECTION IV       VENOMOUS VS POISONOUS       CIGUATERA         ENVENOMATION       FIRST AID        QUIZ 4   

CIGUATERA FISH POISONING

Ciguatera is a form of poisoning caused by the consumption of marine fish that have accumulated naturally occurring toxins through their diet.  Many species of fish have ciguatoxons including snapper, grouper, barracuda and lionfish.  The head, liver and roe of the fish concentrate greater amounts of toxin which can lead to more severe effects.

While ciguatera fish poisoning is not common in Belize, in 2017 there were three cases involving the usual culprit, barracuda.  The following are the list of known instances of ciguatera fish poisoning in 2017.

1. Barracuda were purchased from Vernon Street in July were cooked and consumed at a fundraiser in Crooked Tree in early August
2. Barracuda caught in Turneffe and sold in Ladyville in mid August
3. Barracuda caught off the coast of Punta Gorda in mid August​​

Scientists report there is no way to easily test a sample for ciguatera, but local folklore suggest the following signs may indicate fish poisoning:

• House flies are not attracted to the fish
• Scales fall off
• When the fish is fried a spoon in the pan will turn black.

Symptoms of ciguatera fishing include:

• gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiovascular symptoms.
• Treatment is only supportive and there is no known cure.
• Recovery may take weeks, months or even years.

While there is no cure for ciguatera, the symptoms can be treated to relieve pain and discomfort.

To avoid fish poisoning it is wise to avoid consuming barracuda in July, Aug or September, but the only way to avoid ciguatera is to completely avoid consuming all reef fish.

Since 2009 lionfish have been consumed in Belize and there have been no reported cases of ciguatera fish poisoning after eating lionfish, but there have been at least 4 known cases of ciguatera after eating barracuda.

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SECTION IV       VENOMOUS VS POISONOUS       CIGUATERA         ENVENOMATION       FIRST AID        QUIZ 4   

SECTION I    SECTION II     SECTION III     SECTION IV     SECTION V     SECTION VI     SECTION VII     SECTION VIII