Abstract

Fishing, swimming, diving, and other water-based recreational activities are popular in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf. In this case report we describe a case of stonefish poisoning encountered by a 44-year-old fisherman on the coasts of Bahrain. Human envenomation is rare, and the Arabian Gulf is not the usual habitat of the stonefish. No accurate data is available on the incidence or international frequency of stonefish envenomation. This article describes the treatment and difficulties encountered with his management. We also review the proper management, medical guidelines, and care of stonefish poisoning. The patient presented with severe excruciating pain and edema of his upper limb. He was administered with intravenous analgesia for pain control and was admitted under surgical care for further management of impending compartment syndrome and underwent a fasciotomy. An antivenom for stonefish may be used, however is not available in Bahrain. He was discharged following treatment after 5 days of hospitalization. Although, stonefish is rare in our region, stonefish sightings have been reported in the Arabian Gulf. Management of stonefish and marine envenomation involves soaking the affected site in warm water to denature the venom, analgesia, and stonefish antivenom.

Keywords: Fish envenomation, fish poisoning, stonefish, Syneceiea verrucosa