Ciguatera fish poisoning.
Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is the most common cause of seafood-toxin poisoning in the world and is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. It causes gastroenteritis but also myriad neurological and cardiovascular symptoms. We present a cluster of CFP that occurred in Wellington Hospital, New Zealand. It resulted in three patients with life threatening cardiotoxicity and a fourth case with severe gastro-intestinal symptoms. The epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and public health issues are discussed.
Emergency Medicine Registrar, Emergency Department, Wellington Hospital, Wellington.
Patrick
P
Armstrong
Public Health Registrar, Wellington Regional Public Health, Wellington.
Peter
P
Murray
Medical Officer of Health, Wellington Regional Public Health, Wellington.
Annette
A
Nesdale
Emergency Medicine Specialist, Emergency Department, Wellington Hospital, Wellington.
Brad
B
Peckler
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D036841:Ciguatera Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002922:Ciguatoxins / Q000032:analysis*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004234:Diuretics, Osmotic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008353:Mannitol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D011634:Public Health / Q000592:standards
D004234:Diuretics, Osmotic; D002922:Ciguatoxins; D008353:Mannitol