First report in two decades of ciguatera fish poisoning linked to small-sized fish consumption in the Canary Islands

Abstract

Background: Ciguatoxin poisoning (CP) is the most common non-bacterial seafood poisoning. The first recorded outbreak in the Canary Islands was in 2004. Since 2008, cases have been reported every year. Aim: To summarise the epidemiological characteristics of CP outbreaks in the Canary Islands between January 1, 2008 and July 1, 2025, and to describe an outbreak produced by the consumption of a fish species not subject to ciguatoxin control in the Canary Islands (Sphyraena viridensis) purchased in a supermarket. Methods: Retrospective observational descriptive study of the CP outbreaks in the Canary Islands. Fish remains were analyzed for any toxin detection when available. Results: 28 outbreaks were detected. The most frequent fish was amberjack (Seriola spp.) and grouper (Epinephelus spp.). Four outbreaks were caused by species not included in the control program. Four people required hospital admission. In June 2025, an outbreak caused by a 2 kg yellowmouth purchased at a local supermarket was reported, where one of the affected persons presented symptoms for a month without being diagnosed. Conclusion: It is advisable to have a continuous review of the species and weights in the ciguatoxin control program, as well as to train emergency physicians to be capable of recognizing the disease.