Two more fish poisoning cases reported

The Ministry of Health has confirmed two further cases of suspected ciguatera poisoning, reported by persons who ate barracuda fish from the Turneffe Islands. A release states that this fish has been the sole carrier of the ciguatoxin or poison, but warns that the contaminated fish does not have any odor or taste and the poison cannot be removed by cooking or freezing. Symptoms of ciguatera poisoning include tingling and numbness in fingers and toes and around the lips, tongue, mouth and throat; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or abdominal cramps; joint pains and headaches and breathing difficulty. To avoid ciguatera poisoning, avoid eating larger reef fish that have a greater likelihood of carrying the toxin, especially the barracuda, and report any and all cases to the local public health officer for necessary action.