General News
6 May, 2026
Warning about reef fish poisoning cases across the Cassowary Coast
HEALTH authorities are warning Cassowary Coast residents and visitors to be careful about eating larger reef fish after a small number of reports of ciguatera poisoning in the region.
The Cairns Public Health Unit has issued the warning.
“It is caused by eating large tropical fish such as coral trout, Spanish mackerel, red emperor, wrasse, coral cod, surgeonfish, trevally and yellowtail kingfish that carry ciguatera poison (a toxin),” the unit said in a statement.
Within 24 hours, the toxin can cause the following symptoms:
Tingling and numbness in fingers, toes, around lips, tongue, mouth and throat
Burning sensation or skin pain on contact with cold water
Joint and muscle pains with muscular weakness
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or abdominal cramps
AdvertisementHeadache, fatigue and fainting
Extreme itchiness, often worsened by drinking alcohol
Difficulty breathing in severe cases.
“Any warm water predatory fish over 6kg should be treated with suspicion,” the statement said.
“Under no circumstances should the head, roe or liver be eaten, and it is wise to eat a small portion (no more than 300g) of any large fish to test for reactions 24 hours before serving.”
Anyone developing symptoms is urged to seek medical advice by contacting their local GP, calling 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84), or using Queensland’s Virtual Emergency Services via www.bit.ly/4w92xLq
Read More: Cassowary Coast