Timeline of Minamata disease

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning. The disease was first discovered in Minamata city in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan, in 1956. It was caused by the release of methylmercury in the industrial wastewater from the Chisso Corporation's chemical factory, which continued from 1932 to 1968. This highly toxic chemical bioaccumulated in shellfish and fish in Minamata Bay and the Shiranui Sea, which, when eaten by the local populace, resulted in mercury poisoning.

History[edit | edit source]

The timeline of Minamata disease can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of the Chisso Corporation's chemical factory in Minamata city. The factory began its operation in 1908, producing acetaldehyde using a mercury catalyst. The wastewater from the factory, which contained methylmercury, was discharged into Minamata Bay.

1950s[edit | edit source]

In the 1950s, the first cases of Minamata disease were officially discovered. In 1956, a local hospital reported an "epidemic of an unknown disease of the central nervous system", marking the official discovery of the disease. The victims were suffering from a range of symptoms, including ataxia, numbness in the hands and feet, general muscle weakness, narrowing of the field of vision and damage to hearing and speech. In extreme cases, insanity, paralysis, coma and death followed within weeks of the onset of symptoms.

1960s[edit | edit source]

In the 1960s, the cause of the disease was traced back to the Chisso Corporation's chemical factory. In 1968, the factory stopped its wastewater discharge into Minamata Bay, marking the end of the severe mercury poisoning.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of Minamata disease include ataxia, numbness in the hands and feet, general muscle weakness, narrowing of the field of vision and damage to hearing and speech. In extreme cases, insanity, paralysis, coma and death can occur.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

There is no specific treatment for Minamata disease. The disease can be prevented by avoiding exposure to mercury. Once a person is diagnosed with the disease, the progression can be slowed down with supportive measures.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections from $125

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?

Book Your Appointment

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD