Outbreak of gastrointestinal illness associated with consumption of seaweed--Hawaii, 1994

Seaweed is frequently served as a side dish at meals in the Pacific Islands and is a common component in the diet of many persons living in the Pacific Rim. Seaweed is often harvested at beaches, gathered in nearshore waters, or purchased at local markets. It is served either raw or cooked and is commonly prepared with salt and/or other spices and herbs (e.g., chili pepper, ginger, and garlic). Previous reports have documented a toxic illness associated with seaweed harvested in some locations in the Pacific (1,2). This report summarizes the investigation of an outbreak of acute gastrointestinal illness associated with consumption of seaweed during a picnic in Hawaii in September 1994.