As of 3 March 2026, 44 cases have been reported across six islands in six weeks, exceeding the national alert threshold. Warm sea temperatures and reef disturbances are promoting toxin-producing algae, sustaining transmission risk through the rainy season.
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.
Ciguatera toxins are odorless, tasteless, and heat-stable - they are not destroyed by cooking, freezing, or processing. Travelers should avoid reef fish, especially those over 2kg, and never consume high-risk species (e.g., barracuda, moray eel) or toxin-rich parts like the head, liver, intestines, and roe.
There is no specific treatment.