Seven new ciguatera fish poisoning cases have been reported from March 6 to 19, increasing the total cases so far this year to 27.
Three of these cases are from Efate, two from Ambrym, one from Ambae and another one from Maewo. All cases are clinically diagnosed.
The majority of the total cases are from Efate, followed by Maewo, Ambrym, Ambae, Pentecost and Santo. No deaths have been recorded so far.
The majority of the cases consumed reef fish while the others consumed snapper and grouper.
Ciguatera is a foodborne illness acquired by eating predatory reef fish that have accumulated naturally occurring ciguatoxins found in several algae species through their diet and present with one more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, neurological signs within 24 hours of eating reef fish such as numbness, tingling, ataxia and temperature reversal.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), the best way for people to prevent ciguatera fish poisoning is to avoid eating large fish from certain reef areas. Seek advice from the Fisheries Department and other local authorities to determine which fish your area present the highest risk.
Anyone who suspects that they have symptoms of ciguatera should visit their nearest healthcare facility immediately for care and follow up.
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