Fish Poisoning and Diphyllobothriasis: Symptoms & Treatment
Ciguatera fish poisoning and fish tapeworm infection sicken thousands of Americans every year. In many cases, the source of the infection is a contaminated seafood meal served at a restaurant not observing proper food safety guidelines. For example, in 2007, 10 people developed ciguatera fish poisoning after eating at two St. Louis seafood restaurants. Two of the victims were experiencing painful ciguatera symptoms for more than seven months after the infection. In this case, the two St. Louis restaurants might be held liable for the damages incurred by the sickened patrons because of their failure to provide customers with reasonably safe meals.
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
Ciguatera is the most common type of fish poisoning caused by eating fish containing ciguatoxin. This toxin is produced by microalgae called Gambierdiscus toxicus. After small fish eat the algae, they become infected with the toxin. As large predator fish consume the smaller fish, the former gradually accumulate significant quantities of ciguatoxin. The toxin is odorless and tasteless and cannot be destroyed by heating or freezing the fish. In the absence of a reliable ciguatoxin testing mechanism, currently the only way to avoid infection is foregoing predator tropical reef fish, such as barracuda, red snapper, black grouper, amberjack and king mackerel.
Ciguatera symptoms typically appear within 3-5 hours after ingesting the toxic fish. Most victims first experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea. These symptoms are often followed by neurological disturbances, such as dizziness, anxiety and numbness in the feet and hands. In addition, ciguatera victims might experience a sensation of temperature reversal — hot objects might feel cold and vice versa. In rare cases, ciguatera can cause severe dehydration, muscular aches and partial or complete paralysis. If left untreated, severe fish poisoning can lead to life-threatening events, such as heart failure and respiratory failure.
Ciguatera fish poisoning is especially dangerous because there is no antidote. This means that medical professionals can administer only palliative treatment that minimizes discomfort and addresses complications. Many ciguatera victims receive rehydration therapy with oral or intravenous fluids to replace the minerals and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea and vomiting. Benadryl might also be administered to relieve the itching experienced by many ciguatera patients. Most ciguatera victims recover within several weeks; however, their fish poisoning symptoms might return after eating fish, nuts and certain other foods.
Fish Tapeworm Infection: Diphyllobothriasis
Fish tapeworm infection (also referred to as diphyllobothriasis) is caused by a fish tapeworm called Diphyllobothrium latum. This is the largest parasite found in human intestines as it can grow to reach 30 feet in length. The most common source of fish tapeworm infection is consumption of raw or undercooked fish containing microscopic tapeworm larvae.
During the initial stages of the infection, fish tapeworm typically does not produce any symptoms. As the parasite continues to grow, the affected individual might experience vague abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss. Some of the most serious complications of diphyllobothriasis are intestinal blockage and vitamin B12 deficiency that might cause megaloblastic anemia. While the diagnosis of fish tapeworm can cause great psychological distress, the treatment of this disease is relatively fast and effective. Usually, only a single dose of praziquantel is required to kill the parasite. Sometimes, injections of vitamin B12 might be administered to treat megaloblastic anemia.
Contacting a Skilled Ciguatera / Fish Tapeworm Infection Lawyer
Because all seafood suppliers, distributors and servers in the United States are required to provide consumers with reasonably safe products, failure to do so might make them financially liable for any damages their consumers incur as a result. If you believe that your ciguatera or fish tapeworm infection was caused by a contaminated seafood product, contact the law offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz at (888) 255-2956 for a thorough case review and sound legal advice. The attorneys of AWKO Law have many years' experience helping ciguatera and diphyllobothriasis victims obtain justice, and they also specialize in resolving campylobacter, botulism, E. coli and salmonella food poisoning cases.
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Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz
803 North Palafox St.
Pensacola, Florida 32501
55 Baybridge Dr.
Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561
