Suspected Palytoxin Inhalation Exposures Associated with Zoanthid Corals in Aquarium Shops and Homes - Alaska, 2012-2014.
On August 12, 2014, an Anchorage hospital notified the Alaska Section of Epidemiology (SOE) that a middle-aged male resident of Anchorage (patient A) had arrived in the emergency department with possible palytoxin exposure. Patient A complained of a bitter metallic taste, fever, weakness, cough, and muscle pain 7-8 hours after introduction of live zoanthid coral into his home aquarium. Palytoxin, a potent toxin known to produce the reported effects, is contained in zoanthid marine corals.
Ali K
AK
Hamade
Sandrine E
SE
Deglin
Joe B
JB
McLaughlin
Jonathan R
JR
Deeds
Sara M
SM
Handy
Ann M
AM
Knolhoff
D000178:Acrylamides / Q000506:poisoning*; D000328:Adult; D000413:Alaska; D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa / Q000737:chemistry*; D003064:Cnidarian Venoms; D005260:Female; D006799:Housing, Animal; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult; D000095702:Polyether Toxins
D000178:Acrylamides; D003064:Cnidarian Venoms; C010272:palytoxin; D000095702:Polyether Toxins