Minamata disease /min′əmä″tə/ , a severe degenerative neurological disorder caused by the ingestion of seed grain heated with alkyl compounds of mercury or of seafood taken from waters polluted with industrial wastes contaminated by soluble mercuric salts. The term is derived from a tragedy involving Japanese who ate seafood from Minamata Bay. Mercury passes the placental barrier, causing the congenital form of the disease. Symptoms may not appear for several weeks or months; they include paresthesia of the mouth and extremities; tunnel vision; difficulties in speech, hearing, muscular coordination, and concentration; weakness; emotional instability; and stupor. Continued ingestion causes serious damage to the renal tubules and corrosion of the GI tract. Acute cases may result in coma and death. See also mercury poisoning.
