Fishermen Beware: Toxic Fish

Fishermen Beware: Toxic Fish


July 16, 2008 - 11:49AM
News 12


Find out which "fresh" catch could send you to the hospital if you eat it.

The Palm Beach County Health Department has confirmed that five people have come down with a serious illness in the past week. The culprit? A sickness that typically comes from grouper.
It's called "ciguatera."

The health department usually gets a few cases per year, but not this many in such a short time. The symptoms of ciguatera include nausea, vomiting, headaches and hallucinations. The illness also causes a burning hot sensation when you touch cold things.
One group with the illness caught the fish themselves in or near the Bahamas. The other group affected bought the fish in the store.

The toxic fish cannot be detected by appearance, taste or smell. Raw and cooked whole fish, fillets or parts have no signs of spoilage, discoloration or deterioration. To stay safe, consumers should frequent reputable dealers and restaurants.