Ten cases of suspected palytoxin poisoning

This report describes the investigation by the Alaska Section of Epidemiology into at least 10 cases of palytoxin poisoning over a 2 year period. The index case, a middle-aged man, presented to the emergency department complaining of a “bitter metallic taste,” fever, weakness, headache, cough, as well as arthralgias and myalgias. Approximately 7-8 hours before presentation, live zoanthid coral was placed in his home aquarium. On presentation, he was tachycardic (135/min,) tachypnic, and febrile (103oF.) Two other persons who lived with the index case presented with milder symptoms. The authors point out that there is no specific antidote. Manifestations of toxicity resolved in thiese patients with observation and supportive care. [Photograph of zoanthid colony from MMWR] Related posts: Palytoxin: deadlier than fugu? Palytoxin: just when you thought it was safe to go back to the aquarium . . .
Source: The Poison Review - Category: Toxicology Authors: Tags: Medical aquarium colonial coral palytoxin zoanthid Source Type: news