HEALTH authorities in Vanuatu have reported a growing number of ciguatera (fish poisoning).
From January to mid-February, 44 cases were initially recorded across six islands – Efate, Tanna, Ambae, Pentecost, Maewo, and Santo.
No deaths occurred, and two hospitalized patients recovered fully.
A follow-up report indicated the outbreak has since expanded significantly. The Vanuatu National Surveillance Unit reported 25 additional cases in a single week, bringing the cumulative total to 112 cases. Five people have required hospitalization since the outbreak began.
Cases have now spread to nine islands, with Efate accounting for the largest proportion at 63 per cent.
Most cases (73) were linked to eating unspecified “other” fish. Other sources included reef fish (26 cases), Karosol fish and snapper (three cases), red fish (two cases), and single cases linked to shellfish, trevally, red mouth, barracuda, parrot fish, and blue fish.
Males made up 61 per cent of cases, and individuals aged 15–34 were the most affected.
Ciguatera is caused by a toxin called ciguatoxin, which accumulates in marine algae, seaweed, and dead coral. Small herbivorous fish eat the algae, and larger predatory reef fish become carriers by eating those smaller fish. The toxin concentrates in the fish’s tissue without harming the fish, and affected fish often taste normal. Cooking, drying, salting, or freezing does not kill the toxin.
Source: Outbreak News Today
