Humans increasingly poisoned by reef fish

Researchers investigating the medical records of Pacific Island countries have estimated that Ciguatera fish poisoning could have affected as many as half a million people over the past 35 years, making it a much more serious public health issue than previously thought.




"Within the 35 year period (1973-2008)...there was a clear increase in the incidence of ciguatera poisoning," researchers from ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and James Cook University stated. They tracked down almost 40,000 cases in the 11 years to 2008.

Co-author Tom Brewer of the ARC Centre, says: "It all points to a pretty significant increase, and it makes Ciguatera more than just a minor health issue."

"While fatalities may be rare, ciguatera poisoning makes people dreadfully ill, so much so they often cannot earn a living for weeks or even months. So it has big social and economic implications. It also restricts the kinds of seafoods than can be eaten," according to an ARC statement.