Tropical Fish Cause Bizarre Poisoning Reactions when Ingested

Ciguatera fish poisoning often is missed, even though it is the most common seafood-toxin illness reported in the world that , afflicts at least 50,000 people a year worldwide.

Ciguatera poisoning symptoms are similar to those of food poisoning, but also produce a dangerously slow heart rate.

It can also cause neurological problems that cause hands and feet to tingle painfully and reverse the sense of hot and cold.

Large, predatory fish caught by sport fishermen on coral reefs are common sources of ciguatera fish poisoning.

The fish are common in tropical countries where the reefs exist, as well as in restaurants and stores that get their fish from those countries.