Nine people with suspected haffing after eating fish. GIS publishes new data
After eating fish from the Vistula Lagoon, nine people from northern Poland were hospitalized with symptoms of haffs. Sanitary services do not let the subject out of the eye. GIS and voivods still monitor the situation and call for prudence when consuming fish from this basin.
The Vistula Lagoon, lying at the interface between the Pomeranian and Warmian-Masurian voivodships, was again anxious. In May and early June Nine cases of suspicion of haffing disease have been confirmed – A mysterious disease probably caused by toxin present in fish.
GIS confirms: Nine poisoning after eating fish from the lagoon
According to the latest data, until June 1, 2025 in Pomerania and Warmia, a total of Nine cases of suspicion of poisoning after eating fish from the Vistula Lagoon. Mostly these were light cases, not requiring specialized treatment. Pomeranian and Warmian-Masurian voivods in cooperation with GIS supervise the activities of sanitary, veterinary and fishing inspections. Current information about the symptoms of the disease and recommendations in the event of suspicions has been provided to all medical facilities in the country.
According to GIS, there are currently no contraindications to eating fish from the Vistula Lagoon. However, it is still recommended to consume them in moderate quantities. Flounder and eel, which were indicated in the original warning, have not yet been fully excluded as a source of the problem. Toxicological analyzes of collected fish are still ongoing. The next message is to appear when the test results are known.
Symptoms of Haff disease – what should be worried?
Haffa disease, also called the Vistula Lagoon disease, can make itself felt within a few or several hours after eating infected fish.
Typical symptoms are:
- severe muscle pain (especially neck, back, legs),
- stiffness, weakness,
- Dark urine color.
It can also occur shortness of breath, chest and abdominal pain, excessive sweating, vomiting or a feeling of breakdown. Sanitary services appeal to see a doctor in the event of their occurrence.
The mysterious toxin remains unknown
It has still not been possible to determine what toxin causes Haffa disease. It is probably a biological substance that can arise in fish in certain environmental conditions. Importantly – does not disappear during heat treatmentso even frying or cooking does not guarantee safety. Therefore, eating fish from suspicious sources, especially in large quantities, is associated with risk.
Source: GIS
