Fish poisoning cases are declining after recording 52 cases in 2021, according to the recently released Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health National Health Information Bulletin.

From 2021 to 2023, occurrences of ciguatera fish poisoning have been steady from January to December, the Ministry of Health National Health Information Bulletin said.

Dr Deacon Teapa, Te Marae Ora director of hospital services, confirmed that there have been 18 cases of ciguatera fish poisoning so far this year.

For Rarotonga, between January and March this year, there were six fish poisoning cases.

Fish poisoning or ciguatera poisoning is a foodborne illness caused by eating fish contaminated with ciguatoxins. These toxins are produced by certain algae that are commonly found amongst reef fish. Symptoms of ciguatera poisoning include gastrointestinal and neurological problems.

According to the National Health Information Bulletin, between the year 2021 and 2023, 110 ciguatera poisoning cases were reported with the lowest in 2022 at 18 cases. In 2021, 52 cases were reported and last year there were 40 cases of ciguatera poisoning. The highest number of cases recorded in a year was 469, in 2004.

The report also showed that between the years 2021-2023, on average males accounted for 63 per cent of cases, while females account for the remaining 37 per cent.

Individuals aged 35-44 experienced the highest number of cases from 2021 to 2023. The report also states that this trend is understandable, as this group often engages in reef fishing for sustenance.

The age group between 0-4 ages were also impacted, with one reported case in 2022, “emphasising that young children are also susceptible to ciguatera poisoning”.

The age group 70+ also recorded nine cases between 2021 and 2023.