Case Definition: Mercury (Elemental) Inhalational exposure is
the most typical route of elemental mercury toxicity. Acute
toxicity might result in fever, fatigue, and clinical signs of
pneumonitis. Chronic exposure results in neurologic,
dermatologic, and renal manifestations. Signs and symptoms might
include neuropsychiatric disturbances (e.g., memory loss,
irritability, or depression), tremor, paresthesias,
gingivostomatitis, flushing, discoloration and desquamation of
the hands and feet, and hypertension (1-6). Laboratory criteria
for diagnosis - Biologic: A case with an elevated urinary or
whole blood mercury concentration. A urinary mercury
concentration ≥ 10 ug/L or a total whole blood mercury
concentration ≥ 10 ug/L is an unusual level of exposure for a
person with no known occupational exposure to mercury. Fish
consumption can elevate total whole blood mercury
concentrations. (1-2) - Environmental: Detection of mercury in
environmental samples. (7-10) - Suspected: A case in which a
potentially exposed