5 people suspected for ciguatoxin poisoning

They fell ill after eating a coral reef fish.

According to a report, the Centre for Health Protection is investigating a suspected ciguatoxin poisoning case affecting five people who ate a coral reef fish.

One male and four females, aged two to 58, fell ill after eating the fish at a Wong Tai Sin restaurant on March 28.

Three sought medical treatment and none required hospitalisation. All are stable.

The centre said ciguatera fish poisoning is common in big coral reef fish, adding cooking cannot destroy the toxin.

Consumers should eat only small amounts of coral reef fish at any one meal, avoid eating the head, skin, intestines and roe, and purchase the fish from reputable and licensed seafood shops.