Puffer Fish Poisoning

Since 28 people were diagnosed in 2002 with a new form of poisoning associated with eating Florida puffer fish, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has issued a ban on eating all types of puffer fish in Volusia, Brevard, North Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie counties until further notice.  While puffer fish poisoning traditionally has been associated with tetrodotoxin in the organs and skin of the fish, this new form is associated with a different natural toxin, saxitoxin, also present in the flesh of the fish.  For this reason, even people experienced with eating Florida puffer fish in the past are urged to avoid eating the fish, also sometimes referred to as “sea squab” or “blowfish”.

Symptoms of puffer fish poisoning can occur within minutes to hours of eating the fish regardless of preparation and include: numbness and tingling around the mouth, face, and in the extremities as well as difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, nausea, and vomiting.  Puffer fish poisoning has been responsible for deaths in the Far East, where the fish is considered a delicacy. 

Researchers are actively monitoring puffer fish in the Indian River Lagoon area of Florida’s central Atlantic coast where the initial rash of poisonings occurred, as well as around the state.  It is unknown why puffer fish have recently become more toxic.  A number of studies exploring this question are currently underway while the ban remains in effect.
For more information about how to safely enjoy Florida fish go to http://www.floridamarine.org/ or call the Florida Department of Health Aquatic Toxin Program at 850 245 4299.
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