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South Pacific and West Indies. Specific species of fish are recognized as the common
causes in specific geographic locations with the onset being 1 to 24 hours after the fish
ingestion. Symptoms vary but commonly include: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain,
muscle aches, numbness or burning of the skin, irritability and loss of balance. The
gastrointestinal symptoms usually only last a day or two while the neurological
symptoms may persist for weeks. Symptoms will be worsened by alcohol. The best
treatment is prevention by avoiding eating fish that are likely to be affected.
