Bumper catch turns toxic: Mass hospitalization after eating ‘Vatta’ fish sparks urgent medical warning

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Twenty-eight people have been hospitalized after consuming Vatta (trevally) fish caught during a massive fish harvest (chakara) at Muthalapozhi on Wednesday. People who developed physical discomfort and uneasiness have been admitted to various nearby hospitals.

The Varkala Municipality has issued an urgent advisory urging anyone experiencing physical difficulties after eating this fish to seek immediate medical treatment at the nearest hospital. Municipality Chairperson Geetha Hemachandran informed through a press release that anyone who has purchased and stored this fish must destroy it immediately.

Most of those undergoing treatment are people who consumed fish purchased from the Punnamoodu market. Vatta, which usually costs Rs 550 per kg, is being sold for Rs 120–150 following a fish shoal phenomenon (chakara). It is suspected that vendors might have mixed stale fish with the fresh catch washed ashore during the chakara. Furthermore, when massive amounts of fish are caught during a chakara, they are often not properly iced, which increases the likelihood of bacterial growth. Additionally, marine fish like trevally are highly prone to rapid histamine formation, a type of toxin that develops if the fish is not stored at the correct temperature.

There is a warning to seek immediate medical treatment if symptoms like facial flushing, itching, headache, diarrhea, and vomiting occur within 10 to 30 minutes of consuming fish. The municipality has informed that strict action will be taken against those selling the Trevally fish (Vatta). Although there is no need for panic, Shani, the health inspector in charge of the seven panchayats in the Varkala block, stated that this could severely affect individuals with other underlying health conditions.