As Lent approaches, many Mexicans turn to seafood, including shrimp, as a dietary staple. However, recent warnings from scientists highlight potential dangers associated with excessive shrimp consumption during this period. With Mexico ranking as the 7th largest shrimp producer globally, understanding the risks and symptoms of shrimp-related poisoning becomes crucial.

Understanding the Risks

According to experts cited by the US government’s National Library of Medicine, toxins produced by algae-like organisms called dinoflagellates can accumulate in certain types of shellfish, including shrimp. These toxins can lead to various forms of poisoning, including paralytic, neurotoxic, and amnestic poisoning.

Recognizing Symptoms

Symptoms of shrimp poisoning can manifest differently depending on the type of poisoning:

• Paralytic Poisoning: Numbness or tingling sensations in the mouth, arms, and legs, along with vertigo and headaches, are common symptoms. In severe cases, temporary paralysis may occur.
• Neurotoxic Poisoning: Similar to ciguatera poisoning, symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness or tingling in the mouth, headaches, dizziness, and altered perception of temperatures.
• Amnestic Poisoning: Characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and temporary memory loss, this form of poisoning is less common but still poses a risk.

Responding to Symptoms

If experiencing any symptoms of shrimp poisoning, seeking immediate medical attention is paramount. Meanwhile, individuals can take several steps to mitigate symptoms:

• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Avoid solid foods until symptoms alleviate.
• Refrain from taking medications for diarrhea and pain, as they may exacerbate symptoms.

Prevention Measures

Preventing shrimp-related poisoning is possible by adhering to expert recommendations:

• Purchase fresh shrimp from reputable suppliers.
• Ensure shrimp is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked shrimp.
• Promptly refrigerate shrimp after purchase.
• Practice proper hygiene when handling raw shrimp, including washing hands and kitchen surfaces thoroughly.
• Exercise caution when dining out and choose establishments with low risk of cross-contamination.
• Check product labels for shrimp content, particularly in fish broth flavorings.