Ciguatera fish poisoning Ciguatera fish poisoning Ciguatera fish poisoning, also known simply as ciguatera, is a foodborne illness caused by eating reef fish whose flesh is contaminated with certain toxins. Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, numbness, itchiness, sensitivity to hot and cold, dizziness, and weakness. The onset of symptoms varies with the amount of toxin eaten from half an hour to up to two days. The diarrhea may last for up to four days. Some symptoms typically remain for a few weeks to months. Heart difficulties such as slow heart rate and low blood pressure may also occur. The specific toxins involved are
Vibrio parahaemolyticus contaminated with "V. parahaemolyticus", which is associated with warmer waters from the Gulf of Mexico moving northward. Additionally, swimming or working in affected areas can lead to infections of the eyes, ears, or open cuts and wounds. Following Hurricane Katrina, 22 wounds were infected with "Vibrio", three of which were caused by "V. parahaemolyticus", and two of these led to death. Hosts of "V. parahaemolyticus" include: Vibrio parahaemolyticus Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a curved, rod-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium found in brackish, saltwater, which, when ingested, causes gastrointestinal illness in humans. "V. parahaemolyticus" is oxidase positive, facultatively aerobic, and does not form spores.