Common in Florida from early February through late August every year, outbreaks of ciguatera fish poisoning occur after ingestion of certain types of ocean fish, especially grouper and snapper. Beginning two to 30 hours after a meal, this illness usually starts with diarrhea and vomiting, which may cause such severe dehydration that hospitalization for intravenous fluid treatment becomes necessary. Some victims first complain of itching, with weakness and aching of the legs and thighs. Sooner or later, nearly everyone experiences reversal of temperature sensations (cold fluids in the mouth feel hot), hypersensitivity of the teeth, and sensations of burning in the palms and soles. Although many ciguatera fish poisoning victims may continue to feel weakfor many months, fatalities have not been reported.

The larger and more mature fish, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (244:254) are more likely to cause ciguatera poisoning. For this reason, Floridians have learned to avoid big specimens of grouper and snapper during the season of risk. Since frozen fish can be stored for many months and is trucked all over the country, avoid grouper or snapper unless you are in Florida and can be certain that it has been freshly caught during safe months of the year.

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