Fish poisonings caused by ciguatera toxin are reported intermittently across most tropical and subtropical regions, however a sudden spike in cases in the Caribbean territory earlier this month has prompted an alert from health authorities. The national BVI epidemiologist warned against ‘eating the head, skin, intestines and roe of coral reef fish’ due to their ‘higher concentrations of toxins’. Earlier this year, a similar CFP alert was issued in Saipan. Food Safety News reports that ‘researchers at the Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology (IPNA-CSIC) are working on a Ciguatera vaccine’. Read more and further information on CFP here.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.