Spanish holiday destination under investigation after eight people struck down by food poisoning
A beloved holiday hotspot for British travellers has been struck by a severe health scare, prompting authorities to issue an urgent warning.
The Canary Islands have raised the alarm after eight individuals were affected by the outbreak.
Officials from the Canary Islands Government's Department of Health have released a statement confirming that both the La Palma Health Area Directorate and the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) Directorate-General for Public Health are "investigating a case of food poisoning on the island that has so far affected eight people".
The food-related illness, triggered by eating fish bought from unofficial suppliers outside regular distribution networks, has impacted eight individuals, with one person requiring hospital treatment at the University Hospital of La Palma.
Public health chiefs have launched their emergency procedures, begun the necessary epidemiological investigation, and are maintaining surveillance for any additional cases that might emerge, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Both the La Palma Health Area Directorate and the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) Directorate General of Public Health, operating under the Department of Health, are conducting the inquiry.
The initial cases of this food-borne disease were identified on Tuesday July 22, just two hours following consumption of the tainted product.
Those affected received medical attention at the Emergency Service of the Los Llanos de Aridane Health Centre, where staff immediately implemented food poisoning protocols upon suspicion of contamination.
Tests conducted identified histamine contamination as the likely cause of the poisoning.
Common symptoms of this type of poisoning include a burning or itching sensation in the tongue and throat, a peppery taste in the mouth, facial and neck redness and swelling, hot flushes, hives on the palms, face, head and ears, headaches and dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Officials have urged holidaymakers to verify the source of fish before consuming it.
The Canary Islands are a part of Spain.
In 2023, Spain reported 35 outbreaks of histamine poisoning affecting 275 individuals, with one major incident involving 154 patients.
Typically, symptoms appear within an hour of consumption.
Histamine production is often linked to improper food handling, particularly incorrect storage temperatures.
Once formed, histamine cannot be eradicated by standard cooking or freezing temperatures.
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