On 11/2, a representative from Thu Duc General Hospital announced that four patients – a couple and their two daughters, aged 13 and 15, residing in Linh Xuan ward – were hospitalized. They presented with persistent abdominal pain, diarrhea, severe vomiting, and exhaustion following a family meal. In the emergency department, doctors observed that the two child patients had slow heart rates and low blood pressure.

Following initial treatment, the two children were transferred to the pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit. Concurrently, their parents developed similar symptoms and were moved to the intensive care and toxicology department for close monitoring. After more than three days of supportive care, including hemodynamic stabilization and fluid resuscitation, the family's health improved. Their vital signs returned to safe levels, no complications were observed, and they were subsequently discharged.

Doctors diagnosed the family with ciguatoxin poisoning, a natural toxin commonly found in marine fish inhabiting coral reefs. A crucial clue was the simultaneous appearance of symptoms in multiple family members after they ate red grouper, coupled with distinctive signs such as gastrointestinal issues and cardiovascular effects.

Doctor Nguyen Ha Phuong, Head of the Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Thu Duc General Hospital, explained that ciguatoxin poisoning manifests with diverse symptoms and an unpredictable progression. Beyond gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea, patients frequently encounter neurological problems such as perioral numbness, limb numbness, and dizziness.

This toxin notably impacts the cardiovascular system, leading to slow heart rates and low blood pressure. Dangerous signs, such as lightheadedness and a slow pulse, signal a risk of severe deterioration. Continuous monitoring and immediate treatment are crucial to prevent complications like dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or hemodynamic instability.

Ciguatoxin originates from marine microalgae and accumulates in fish via the food chain. Large reef-dwelling fish, including grouper, snapper, barracuda, moray eel, and amberjack, frequently accumulate high levels of the toxin. This toxin is heat-stable, remaining unaffected by cooking, and does not alter the fish's taste or appearance, making it very hard for consumers to detect. There is currently no specific antidote for ciguatoxin; treatment focuses on symptomatic support and resuscitation.

Doctors advise individuals experiencing unusual symptoms after consuming seafood, particularly lightheadedness, exhaustion, a slow heart rate, or if multiple people fall ill concurrently, to seek immediate medical attention for timely emergency care.

Le Phuong