Tuna Poisoning, Not Allergy, Sickened Toddlers in Beitar Illit
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
The Israeli Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunology clarified that toddlers at a Beitar Illit daycare suffered tuna poisoning, not an allergy, due to high histamine levels from improper fish storage. Symptoms mimic an allergic reaction but are toxic, affecting anyone who eats the contaminated fish. Most cases resolve within 24 hours without complications, and affected individuals are not considered allergic to fish.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Toddlers in Beitar Illit suffered tuna poisoning, not an allergy, according to the Israeli Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
- The condition is caused by high histamine levels in fish due to improper storage, not an immune system response.
- Symptoms include flushing, itching, rash, headache, heart palpitations, and sometimes shortness of breath.
- Mild cases are treated with antihistamines, while severe cases require urgent medical attention.
- Most cases resolve within 24 hours without complications.
- Experiencing tuna poisoning does not mean one is allergic to fish.
The Israeli Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has clarified that an incident involving toddlers at a daycare in Beitar Illit on Tuesday was a case of tuna poisoning, not an allergy as initially reported in some media. Dr. Vered Shichter Confino, the association's secretary, explained that this type of poisoning is caused by high levels of histamine in fish, particularly tuna and mackerel, due to improper storage.
Histamine develops when fish are not kept at the correct temperature. Bacteria break down an amino acid called histidine, naturally present in fish muscle, converting it into histamine. Consuming fish with elevated histamine levels introduces a large amount into the body, mimicking allergic reaction symptoms such as flushing, itching, rash, headache, heart palpitations, and sometimes shortness of breath.
Dr. Shichter Confino distinguished this from a true allergy, where the immune system reacts to fish proteins via IgE antibodies. In tuna poisoning, the histamine is already present in the fish and directly ingested. This makes it a toxic reaction, not allergic, and it can affect anyone, regardless of prior sensitivity.
Treatment for mild cases involves antihistamines to alleviate symptoms, along with fluids and digestive aids. Severe cases, including significant breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, or anaphylaxis signs, require urgent medical care, potentially including adrenaline injections. However, the association noted that most cases resolve within hours to a day without complications.
Individuals experiencing histamine poisoning from tuna are not necessarily allergic to fish and do not need to avoid them permanently after a single incident.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 3Right 3Haredi 1Arab 1Other 3
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
