Spanish holiday destination illness alert: Eight fall ill as fish contamination sparks health probe
A health scare has rocked a popular Spanish holiday destination, triggering swift action from local officials after eight individuals fell ill following a suspected food poisoning outbreak.
The Canary Islands Government’s Department of Health has launched a full-scale investigation after a group of people on La Palma Island reported symptoms consistent with histamine poisoning. All eight had consumed fish reportedly purchased from outside regulated food distribution networks.
One individual required hospitalisation and is currently being treated at the University Hospital of La Palma.
A joint operation is now underway, led by the La Palma Health Area Directorate and the Directorate-General for Public Health of the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS).
According to an official statement, they are “investigating a case of food poisoning on the island that has so far affected eight people.”
The first signs of illness emerged on Tuesday, 22 July, just two hours after the contaminated fish was eaten. The group sought emergency treatment at Los Llanos de Aridane Health Centre, prompting activation of food poisoning protocols.
Laboratory tests pointed to histamine contamination—typically linked to improper fish storage—as the probable culprit.
Health officials outlined the typical signs of histamine poisoning: “a sensation of itching or burning in the tongue and throat, and a peppery taste in the mouth, redness and swelling of the face and neck, hot flushes, urticaria – or hives – on the palms of the hands, face, head and ears, headache and dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.”
Authorities are now urging tourists and residents alike to exercise caution, especially when buying fish. They’ve warned that histamine isn’t destroyed through cooking or freezing, making food origin and proper storage critical in preventing contamination.
This isn’t a first for Spain. In 2023 alone, the country logged 35 outbreaks of histamine poisoning, affecting 275 people. One particularly serious incident involved 154 cases.
Histamine is produced when fish is mishandled, usually due to storage at incorrect temperatures. Once it forms, it can’t be cooked or frozen out.
Officials remain on alert for further cases and continue to monitor the situation as the epidemiological study progresses.
This incident is particularly concerning for UK travellers, given the Canary Islands’ popularity as a summer getaway. With tourist season in full swing, health authorities are keen to ensure this scare doesn’t escalate into a wider issue.
Travellers are being encouraged to only consume fish from reputable sources and remain vigilant for symptoms.
This developing story serves as a sobering reminder that food safety, even in idyllic holiday spots, should never be taken for granted.
