A handful of cases are under investigation
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Public Advisory Issued on Ciguatera and Scombroid Fish Poisoning Risks
The Ministry of Health and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are advising the public and the fishing community of ongoing risks associated with ciguatera fish poisoning and scombroid (histamine) poisoning. This advisory follows recent reports under investigation and is issued as part of routine public health surveillance. To date, five cases have been confirmed in 2026, one in January and four in August.
Ciguatera is caused by naturally occurring marine toxins that can enter the food chain and accumulate in large predatory reef fish. Although ciguatera has not traditionally been common in Bermuda, large barracuda, yellow jack, amberjack and bonita have been implicated in previous cases, and other large reef fish may pose a risk. Symptoms can include nausea, diarrhea, itching, tingling, numbness, muscle pain and a reversal of hot and cold sensations. The toxin cannot be detected based on the appearance, taste or smell of the fish, and is not destroyed by cooking or freezing.
Scombroid poisoning occurs when certain fish are not chilled quickly enough after being caught, allowing histamine to build up. It is commonly associated with tuna, mackerel, wahoo and dolphin (mahi mahi). Symptoms may include facial flushing, rash, headache, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Histamine cannot be detected based on the appearance, taste or smell of the fish, and cooking or freezing will not destroy histamine once it has formed.
Good handling practices help prevent scombroid poisoning. Fishers are reminded to bleed and gut fish immediately after capture, thoroughly ice them as soon as possible, and keep fish cold throughout handling, transport and storage.
Members of the public who experience illness after consuming fish should seek medical care promptly and report relevant exposure information to their healthcare provider. Physicians will report suspected cases to the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, which continues to monitor and assess any new reports and will update the public if further action is required.
