Suspected Palytoxin Inhalation Exposures Associated with Zoanthid Corals in Aquarium Shops and Homes - Alaska, 2012-2014

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2015 Aug 14;64(31):852-5. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6431a4.

Abstract

On August 12, 2014, an Anchorage hospital notified the Alaska Section of Epidemiology (SOE) that a middle-aged male resident of Anchorage (patient A) had arrived in the emergency department with possible palytoxin exposure. Patient A complained of a bitter metallic taste, fever, weakness, cough, and muscle pain 7-8 hours after introduction of live zoanthid coral into his home aquarium. Palytoxin, a potent toxin known to produce the reported effects, is contained in zoanthid marine corals.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acrylamides / poisoning*
  • Adult
  • Alaska
  • Animals
  • Anthozoa / chemistry*
  • Cnidarian Venoms
  • Female
  • Housing, Animal*
  • Humans
  • Inhalation Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Acrylamides
  • Cnidarian Venoms
  • palytoxin