The Ministry of Health said Wednesday it is aware of the recent reports of conch poisoning. It said there have been four laboratory confirmed cases during the last few days.
When ingested, Vibrio bacteria can cause watery diarrhea, often accompanied by abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills.
To decrease the risk of becoming ill after eating conch, the ministry is advising that the conch be cooked or if eaten raw it should be thoroughly washed in clean, fresh water, rather than sea water, to remove the bacteria from the conch.
