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This
poisoning is the result of a complex bio-ecology involving many fish that
constitute the normal Polynesian diet.
Every
year there are about 1,000 people who fall victim to ciguatera poisoning after
having consumed fresh fish taken from the coral reefs.
The
most frequently affected species are sea-perch, emperors, grouper, parrotfish,
napoleon fish and triggerfish. Fish from the open sea like tuna and bonito
are never toxic.
This
form of poisoning, which has been there for centuries, exists in tropical waters
all over the globe. It is a major preoccupation of the authorities in
French Polynesia, and a scientist from the research institute has been working
constantly on the ciguatera problem for many years now.
The
poison has finally been isolated, and research has proved that it is produced by
a microscopic organism living on seaweed growing on dead coral. Of course,
such algae do not develop on a reef rich in living coral. However, if this
environment is upset by man or natural disturbances, like cyclones, a lot of
coral dies and the resulting debris is then liable to promote the development of
toxic algae.
This
poison, which is produced in considerable quantities, is transmitted first to
the herbivorous fish and then to the flesh-eating fish that feed on the latter.
If man eats fish containing this toxin he becomes ill.
The
symptoms of ciguatera are a tingling sensation in the face and hands and
vomiting and diarrhea. If a doctor is not available, first-aid measures
consist of getting the patient to vomit copiously and then to take calcium as
well as vitamins B 1, B6 and BI 2.
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