Patients Present to Visitation Clinic in Gastrointestinal Distress

All of the patients reported eating a large fresh water fish called Bekin.  Dr. JF quickly identified the cause as Ciguatera.  According to the CDC, Ciguatera is an illness "caused by toxins in the fish produced by a marine microalgae called Gambierdiscus toxicus.  People who have Ciguatera may experience nausea, vomiting, and neurologic symptoms such as tingling fingers or toes.  They also may find that cold things feel hot and hot things feel cold.  Ciguatera has no cure.  Symptoms usually go away in days or weeks, but can last for years!  People who have Ciguatera can be treated for their symptoms only."
It became a long, busy day a the clinic as patients were put on IVs and other medications.  This quickly filled up all the available beds, so we pulled out the surplus army cots that we bought earlier this year, as well as IV stands from the storage facility.  We would up with 17 patients in beds, seven of whom spent the night.
Thanks to the expertise of Dr. JF and his capable staff, many received the treatment necessary to overcome this serious illness.  Your ongoing support is what we count on to continue our work.