Ciguateramyrkytyksiä

Ciguateramyrkytyksiä, known in English as ciguatera poisoning, is an illness caused by eating certain tropical reef fish that have accumulated toxins. These toxins, primarily ciguatoxins, are produced by microscopic algae that live on seaweed. Small herbivorous fish eat the algae, and then larger predatory fish eat the smaller fish. The toxins biomagnify up the food chain, meaning the largest and oldest predatory reef fish are most likely to contain dangerous levels of ciguatoxins.

The symptoms of ciguatera poisoning can vary widely but often include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which typically appear within a few hours of consumption. Neurological symptoms are also common and can be more persistent, including tingling or numbness in the extremities, muscle aches, temperature reversal (hot objects feeling cold and vice versa), dizziness, and fatigue. In severe cases, more serious neurological effects and cardiovascular problems can occur.

Ciguatera poisoning is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean Sea. Diagnosis is usually based on the patient's symptoms and a history of eating potentially contaminated fish. There is no specific antidote for ciguatera poisoning. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, often involving hydration and pain relief. Prevention relies on avoiding consumption of certain large predatory reef fish from known endemic areas.