Warning issued
on ciguatera poisoning

Avoid eating surgeonfish from Hawaiian waters, Department of Health says

By Jaymes Song
Star-Bulletin

The state Department of Health is issuing a warning to avoid eating a fish found around all of the Hawaiian islands after fish poisoning afflicted 12 people.

The department reported yesterday that the 12 have become ill in the past two weeks with ciguatera fish poisoning, after eating a surgeonfish known as kole.

The inflicted individuals consumed contaminated fish caught off the north shore of Kauai between Anini and Hanalei.

State officials don't know when it will be safe to eat kole again.

"I recommend never eating kole on the north shore of the island," said state Health Department epidemiologist Jo Manea.

She believes there are several unreported cases in addition to the 12 documented.

The ciguatera poison cannot be detected in the fish by sight, taste or smell. Freezing, cooking or drying the fish does not eliminate the poison.

The first symptom, which normally starts in about three to four hours after consumption, is diarrhea. That is frequently followed by aching muscles, nausea, weakness, sweating and dizziness. Numbness and tingling around the mouth, hands or feet may also follow.

Other fish in recent years that have been linked to ciguatera poisoning are paio, ulua and roi (grouper).

Health officials advise people who have experienced poisoning to avoid eating fish or shellfish for several weeks after the symptoms disappear.

Anyone who becomes ill with ciguatera or knows someone who is sick should report it to the Health Department.

Leftover fish that is believed to be the cause of the poisoning should be frozen and submitted to the Health Department for testing.