On 26 August 2026, eight people - six tourists and two residents - were treated for suspected ciguatera fish poisoning on Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. Seven cases were linked to one restaurant and the eighth to another; all patients recovered.
Between 2022 and 2026, 255 suspected ciguatera cases were recorded on the island, with no deaths. Cases occur most frequently in August and September and have mainly been associated with eating barracuda, jacks and groupers.
Ciguatera Poisoning: Ciguatera is a non-contagious foodborne illness caused by eating fish containing ciguatoxins, usually due to improper preparation. Symptoms appear 3–6 hours after ingestion (up to 30 hours) and typically start with gastrointestinal issues—diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain—followed by neurological and neuropsychiatric signs such as paresthesia, weakness, burning or metallic taste, memory issues, fatigue, and mood changes. Cold allodynia and temperature reversal are distinctive but not always present. Neurologic symptoms may last days to months, while cardiovascular effects can include bradycardia, heart block, or hypotension.