The Centre for Health protection has confirmed two reports of suspected ciguatoxin food poisoning, involving five people aged 21 to 54.

The first case involved two women and a man who developed limb numbness, nausea and diarrhoea after eating coral reef fish bought from a market in Pok Hong Estate Sha Tin on May 15.

The second involved a man and woman who ate coral reef fish from a market in Smithfield Road Kennedy Town on the same day.

The fish is believed to be lyretail in both cases.

To prevent ciguatera poisoning:

* eat less coral reef fish, especially fish weighing over three catties;

* eat only a small amount of coral reef fish at any one meal;

* avoid eating the head, skin, viscera and roe which usually has a higher concentration of toxin;

* avoid consuming alcohol, peanuts or beans when eating such fish; and,

* seek immediate medical treatment if symptoms appear.