It is impossible to differentiate a ciguatoxic fish from a healthy fish , neither by smell, nor by color, nor by taste. In addition, the method of preparing the fish (raw, cooked, salted, dried, etc.) does not eliminate toxins or make them less dangerous.
However, you can avoid and / or limit the severity of poisoning by applying some basic principles:
1- Take advice from the fisherman ‘s Town / Island where you are. They generally have a very good knowledge of the areas and fish to avoid;
2 See cartographi e toxic areas available on this website or ask the health authority in charge of the country’s surveillance network in which you are;
3- Avoid consuming the head and viscera which concentrate toxins;
4- When in doubt, eat only a small amount of fish.
In case of poisoning
1- As soon as the first symptoms appear , consult a doctor, a health structure or contact the nearest poison control center.
2- Remove from your diet for several weeks any marine product, animal proteins, alcohol, coffee, exciting drinks and nuts (nuts, peanuts, …) . Indeed, the consumption of certain food products is likely to maintain or worsen neuromuscular and gastrointestinal symptoms. You can then gradually reintroduce them into your diet one by one.
Find out more about foods to avoid after a Ciguatera. Click ic i
3- In addition to the treatments prescribed by your doctor, it is advisable to take a course of vitamins C, B1, B6 and B12 until the symptoms of intoxication disappear;
4- If your doctor did not do it or if you did not go to see a health structure, consider declaring your poisoning directly on this site or with the health authority of the country in which you are located.
5- Avoid breast-feeding your child for a period of one month or as long as the symptoms of intoxication are still present.
6-It should be noted that certain situations such as the practice of an intense physical activity, the passage under a cold air current, the exposure to the sun , are also likely to trigger certain symptoms (itching, tingling, .. .). These situations should then be avoided as much as possible.