Secretary of Health Bob Williams confirmed that three cases of ciguatera poisoning had been recorded in recent weeks.

recorded in Rarotonga, “but not fully confirmed as fish poisoning”.

The confirmation came after The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium issued a public health advisory regarding an increase in reported cases of ciguatera poisoning following the consumption of fish caught in the lagoons surrounding the island.

Locals and visitors alike were warned of the dangers of eating reef fish caught within these lagoons, which may contain ciguatoxins – highly toxic substances that are harmful to humans but not to the fish themselves.

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is caused by ingesting fish that have accumulated ciguatoxin, a toxin that originates from microscopic marine algae.

These algae, Gambierdiscus toxicus, grow in and around coral reefs and are consumed by smaller fish, which are then eaten by larger fish such as grouper, trevally, and parrotfish.

Humans who consume these contaminated fish can experience a range of severe symptoms that affect the digestive, heart, and nervous systems.

The symptoms of ciguatera poisoning can range from gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, to more serious neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and “hot-cold reversal,” where hot items feel cold and vice versa.

In severe cases, the toxin can cause paralysis, coma, and even death.

“The best course of action is simply to avoid consuming any fish caught in the lagoons,” said the resort’s management, emphasising that fish from local supermarkets, both fresh and canned, are safe alternatives.

The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium has also reminded the public that fishing is strictly prohibited in the Aroa Lagoon Marine Sanctuary, which is located directly in front of the resort.

The lagoon is a protected area, or Rau’i, where the taking of any fish or marine life is forbidden to preserve the local ecosystem.

The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium also urged those planning fishing trips to consider venturing out to the open ocean, where fish are less likely to be contaminated with ciguatera.

The resort also cautioned pet owners not to feed reef fish to their animals, as the toxins in the fish can be fatal to cats, dogs, and other pets.