Ciguatera Poisoning: Reef Fish Threat While on a Honeymoon

When traveling to the oceans along the varied coastlines of the world, there are many hazards associated with deep sea diving, scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming in ocean water. With more than 80,000 miles of coastline in the United States alone, the risk is significant for health complications while on a vacation or even a honeymoon when participating in these leisurely activities.

As a couple considering a tropical oceanic vacation for your honeymoon, it is important to understand the risks that may develop in direct response to your exposure to marine life. These complications, when not treated early, can place you, or your new spouse, at risk for significant health complications. While on your tropical honeymoon, you will want to be familiar with these risks so as to ensure your health is protected as best possible whether swimming, playing or diving in the ocean.

A common complaint among many honeymooning couples is the onset of a condition known as Ciguatera poisoning. Attributed to the accidental ingestion of reef fish, many honeymooning couples are not even aware of the health complication until the symptoms of Ciguatera poisoning are significant.

Ciguatera poisoning is a common occurrence for honeymooners traveling to areas such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Florida coastlines. As a complication of the neurological and gastrointestinal tract, the strict avoidance of reef fish ingestion should be avoided especially when in the ocean where you may be distracted from the beauty of the ocean life.

Symptoms of Ciguatera poisoning are classically the same as most any other venomous exposures; neurological complications with gastrointestinal complications. A key aspect of Ciguatera poisoning, however, is the creation of a neurological complication in which cold items feel hot and hot items feel cold. With this onset of symptoms, the healthcare team can easily diagnose the complication as that of Ciguatera poisoning. When onset of symptoms occur, usually within 24 hours of exposure, the duration of symptoms may last up to two weeks, leading to a less than perfect honeymoon vacation.