Hong Kong health officials issued an urgent public health advisory on November 17 after investigating two unconnected suspected cases of puffer fish poisoning affecting three individuals. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) confirmed that the incidents, which occurred on November 16, underscore the severe risks associated with consuming the marine species, which is known to harbor a potent neurotoxin. All three patients are reported to be in stable condition following medical intervention.
The first incident involved two women, aged 31 and 52, who became ill approximately two hours after sharing puffer fish that was caught and provided by a friend. Both women experienced classic symptoms of poisoning, including limb numbness, nausea, generalized weakness, and dizziness. They sought medical treatment and were admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital and Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, respectively.
In the second, separate case, a 57-year-old woman developed symptoms roughly four hours after consuming puffer fish. She reportedly bought the fish from a fishing boat, or sampan, at the Aberdeen pier. Her symptoms included dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and limb numbness. She was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital via the Accident and Emergency Department. The CHP has since escalated her case to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for further investigation regarding the source of the fish.
Understanding the Risk of Tetrodotoxin
The immediate danger associated with puffer fish consumption is tetrodotoxin, a naturally occurring and powerful neurotoxin. The CHP emphasized that this water-soluble toxin primarily targets the central nervous system and is highly concentrated in the liver, reproductive organs (gonads), and skin of the fish.
Crucially, tetrodotoxin is heat-stable, meaning conventional food preparation methods are ineffective at neutralizing it. Cooking, freezing, or drying the fish does not break down the toxin, allowing it to remain potentially fatal even after processing.
Actionable Advice and Medical Implications
Tetrodotoxin poisoning is extremely serious, as it can swiftly compromise respiratory and circulatory functions. In severe cases, the poisoning can lead to death. Currently, there is no known antidote available to counter the effects of the toxin. Treatment is largely supportive, focusing on managing symptoms and maintaining vital signs until the poison fully clears the patient’s system.
In light of these recent hospitalizations, the CHP strongly advises the public against any attempt to purchase, prepare, or consume puffer fish due to the inherent and unpredictable risk of poisoning. Furthermore, the public should exercise extreme caution and avoid consuming any unidentified fish species, as many varieties share similar external appearances.
Key Public Health Action Points:
- Do Not Consume Puffer Fish: Avoid buying or eating puffer fish, regardless of how they were sourced.
- Avoid Unidentified Species: Refrain from consuming any fish species that cannot be positively identified.
- Seek Immediate Care: If symptoms such as numbness, dizziness, vomiting, or weakness occur after eating seafood, seek emergency medical attention without delay.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, reiterating that strict adherence to safe food consumption practices is the key to preventing potential health crises related to marine toxins.