The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 22) called on members of the public not to consume puffer fish following a report of suspected poisoning case associated with the fish.
The case involved a 52-year-old seaman who developed slurring of speech, numbness around the mouth and on his limbs as well as limbs weakness about 4 hours after consuming a puffer on October 21. The fish was caught by him in Hong Kong waters. He was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on the same day and is now in stable condition.
A CHP spokesman said puffer fish contains tetrodotoxin, a heat-stable toxin which does not decompose on boiling or cooking.
"Toxins are most concentrated in the organs such as liver, gonads and skin. Avoidance of puffer fish consumption is the best way to prevent puffer fish poisoning," the spokesman said.
End/Monday, October 22, 2007