The most prominent symptom of ciguatera fish poisoning is hot and cold temperature reversal.
Algal Species (found in the Gulf of Mexico) that Cause Ciguatera
Gambierdiscus toxicus (image)
Toxins
Ciguatoxin
Maitotoxin
Human Symptoms/Illness
Symptoms appear within 3 to 24 hours
Neurological symptoms may recur for months or years
Factors Affecting Degree of Toxicity
Amount of toxin ingested
Transformation of toxins
Rate of toxin elimination
Diagnosis
Consumption of seafood before sickness
Can examine food specimen
Initial Symptoms (3-5 hours after ingestion)
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Nausea
Subsequent Symptoms (12-18 hours after ingestion)
Headaches
Severe pruritus (itching of skin)
Temperature reversal (objects that normally feel hot are cold, and vice versa)
Paresthesia (abnormal sensations like tingling in extremities)
Arthralgia (joint pain)
Myalgia (muscular pain)
Convulsions/muscular paralysis
Audio and/or visual hallucinations
Vertigo (loss of equilibrium)
Irregular pulse rate
Decreased blood pressure
Seafood Causing Ciguatera (not all inclusive; >400 animals cause CFP)
Barracuda
Snapper
Amberjack
Kingfish
Mahi mahi
Grouper
Ciguatera Cases in the U.S. and Its Territories
California
Florida
Guam
Hawaii
Maryland (seafood harvested elsewhere)
Massachusetts (seafood harvested elsewhere)
Puerto Rico
Tennessee (seafood harvested elsewhere)
Vermont (seafood harvested elsewhere)
Virgin Islands
Washington (seafood harvested elsewhere)
Ciguatera Cases in the Gulf of Mexico
Yes
Persons with Disabilities