Ciguatera Poisoning

Ciguatera poisoning occurs when someone eats reef fish contaminated with ciguatoxins, which are produced by certain marine algae. These toxins accumulate through the food chain, especially in larger predatory fish like amberjack or grouper. When ingested, ciguatoxins affect nerve cells, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness, tingling, and dizziness. Symptoms may start within hours and can last days or weeks. There's no specific antidote; treatment focuses on symptom relief. To reduce risk, avoid consuming large, predatory reef fish from areas known for ciguatera contamination.