A Case Series of Puffer Fish Poisoning

Abstract

Puffer fish poisoning caused by tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin, is uncommon in Hong Kong. We report a total of seven cases of puffer fish poisoning with different levels of severity. Two of them developed respiratory distress and subsequently required endotracheal intubation and respiratory support while the others presented with numbness and mild weakness. Most of them experienced perioral numbness as the first symptom. The mean time of symptoms onset was approximately 94 minutes. All of our patients survived the intoxication.