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		*Clémence Mahana iti* GATTIDr.Sc. Research Associate - Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins INSTITUT LOUIS MALARDE (ILM)**
		After obtaining a PhD in pathophysiology dedicated to neurological damages due to marine biotoxins poisonings, and training in epidemiology in Quebec (Canada), Dr. Gatti joined the Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins led by Dr. Mireille Chinain, located within the Louis Malardé Institute, based in Papeete (Tahiti), in order to develop biomedical research and epidemiological surveillance of ciguatera. In 2014, she compleated a University Diploma in Methods in Clinical Research (University of Bordeaux II). To date, Dr Gatti intervene as an expert for the IOC-UNESCO, the IAEA, the FAO and the WHO; and provides support to countries wishing to establish a ciguatera surveillance. She is at the origin of the conception of this website.

		Mireille CHINAIN Dr.Sc.HDR Head of Unit- Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins INSTITUT LOUIS MALARDE (ILM)
		Mireille Chinain (Dr. Sc., HDR) pursued her studies with a focus in biology at the University of Bordeaux I, and at the University of Montpellier II, where she earned a doctorate in biological sciences from the University of Science and Technology of Languedoc. Back in French Polynesia, she joined, in 1990, ILM’s Unit of Medical Oceanography, which was already specialized in the field of ciguatera for twenty years. She is now working on the development of in vitro cultures of the causative agent of ciguatera, Gambierdiscus dinoflagellate. She is behind the establishment of a unique micro-algae bank rich of several highly toxic strains, which are currently used for mass production of ciguatoxin (CTXS). Thanks to the efforts made in the last decades, her laboratory has now a unique bank of purified CTXS. In 2000, Mireille was appointed Head of the unit, which was renamed the Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins (LBM), there she manages all research programs related to ciguatera. Research conducted at LBM are focused on the eco-toxicology and taxonomy of Gambierdiscus, and on the development of different methods of toxins detection. Mireille is also managing the field monitoring and lagoons risk management programs of French Polynesia and the Pacific Region Her work has been repeatedly acknowledged and rewarded by national and international awards including the Prix Trégouboff Award 2005 in Marine Biology (Academy of Sciences of Paris, France), the Albert Sézary Award 2006 (National Academy of Medicine, Paris, France), and the Tyge Christensen Award 2010 (International Phycological Society).

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LABORATORY OF MARINE BIOTOXINS

Over 50 years of Integrated Ciguatera Research

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Learn more about the activities of the Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins.

Dr. Erwan Oehler

Ciguatera Medical Consultant

Hospital Center of French Polynesia

Born in Brittany in 1977, Erwan undertook several medecine internships at the Hospital Center of French Polynesia in 2005, where he discovered ciguatera poisoning, hardly known in France. Particularly interested by this affection, he dedicated his thesis of General Medecine and Master in Tropical Medicine to this subject. Since 2010, he works in the internal and general medecine unit of the Hospital Center of French Polynesia, where he manages ciguatera-affected patients. Dr Oehler is the medical consultant of www.ciguatera.pf.

Formulaires de déclaration en format "pdf" (cliquer sur l'île concernée pour obtenir le formulaire correspondant)

SOCIETE

TUAMOTU

MARQUISES

AUSTRALES

GAMBIER

Bora Bora

Huahine

Maupiti

Moorea

Raiatea

Tahaa

Tahiti

Tetiaroa

Ahe

Amanu

Anaa

Apataki

Aratika

Arutua

Faaite

Fakahina

Fakarava

Fangatau

Hao

Heretue

Hikueru

Hiti

Katiu

Kauehi

Kaukura

Makatea

Makemo

Manihi

Marokau

Mataiva

Napuka

Niau

Nihiru

Nukutavake

Puka puka

Pukarua

Rangiroa

Raraka

Raroia

Reao

Taenga

Takapoto

Takaroa

Takume

Tatakoto

Tematangi

Tepoto

Tikehau

Tuanake

Tureia

Vahitahi

Vairaatea

Fatu Hiva

Hiva Oa

Nuku Hiva

Tahuata

Ua Huka

Ua Pou

Raivavae

Rapa

Rimatara

Rurutu

Tubuai

Mangareva

Télécharger le formulaire en format tableau Excel avec l'ensemble des cartes des îles ici.


	Bientôt votre site en anglais et en tahitien
	Soon, your website in English
	Phrase en tahitien

Few countries collect epidemiological data specifically related to Ciguatera Poisoning. This is the reason why it is difficult to have a precise idea of the extent of the phenomenon and its evolution on a global scale.

However, following the recent expansion of the toxigenic algae and autochthonous cases of Ciguatera in regions hitherto spared, several local, regional and international initiatives aimed at improving the diagnosis of the disease and the count of cases, and better characterizing the ciguatoxic risk, are emerging.

French Polynesia, particularly concerned by this affection, is a pioneer in terms of epidemiological surveillance of the poisoning. This Pacific island territory, as vast as Europe, has a specifically dedicated health monitoring network, making it possible to follow the evolution of Ciguatera continuously and in real time.

Avoid poisoning / Limit severe forms



	_________________________________ A TOXIC SPECIMEN CANNOT BE DISTINGUISHED FROM A NONTOXIC ONE, AS CTXS ARE TASTELESS, ODORLESS AND COLORLESS. MOREOVER, THE METHODS OF PREPARATION OF THE FISH (RAW, COOKED, SALTED, DRIED …) DOES NOT ELIMINATE CTXS OR MAKE THEM LESS POTENT. _________________________________ However, it is possible to avoid and/or reduce the severity of a poisoning by applying a few rules:
	Seek advices from the local fishermen. They have, most of the time, a very good knowledge of the fishing areas and species to avoid
	Consult the map of toxic species fishing zones available on the CIGUAWATCH platform.
	Seek advice from the authority in charge of the ciguatera surveillance of the country in which you are located.
	Avoid eating the head and viscera, where toxins are mostly concentrated.
	If any doubts, only eat a small amount of fish and space out the consumption of at risk species.

What to do in case of poisoning?


	As soon as the first symptoms appear, consult a doctor or contact the poison control center closest to you.
	During the weeks following the poisoning, remove marine products, animal proteins (especially red meats), alcohol and nuts (walnuts, peanuts, etc.) from your diet. Their consumption is likely to temporarily revive itching, muscle pain, malaise, asthenia, etc. This "hypersensitivity" phenomenon will fade over time. You will gradually be able to reintroduce these foods and drinks into your diet.
	In addition to the treatment prescribed by your physician, it is suggested to take a vitamin C, B1, B6 and B12 therapy until the symptoms resolve.
	If you have not consulted a doctor, remember to declare your poisoning on the online reporting system or to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for poisonings that have occurred in French Polynesia, or to the health authorities of the country in which you are.
	Ciguatoxins can contaminate breast milk, it is recommended to suspend breastfeeding for 4 weeks in case of poisoning.

CFP statistics in French Polynesia

CFP cases officially declared between 2009 and 2014 (click on the map to enlarge)