>Only time I'd seen fresh figs was in Egypt, back in the late 80s, when I was learning to dive. My friend and I were invited into some Egyptians' flat and they offered a bowl thereof. I respectfully declined but my mate tucked in. As expected the next day he had the "Pharaohs' Revenge" and I was fine. I knew not to consume anything washed in local water. I had warned him too. Meant delaying our course for a day.
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>However, since then I've been back many times (in fact going on 19th Oct for a week's diving vac) and eaten lots of salads, etc (esp. metze) and only had one mild bout of if, cf. that which I'd had on my 1st visit.

Actually, as I was warned as a kid (during our vacations in Dalmatia), don't drink water after fresh figs. Wait until they digest - an hour or two, or drink wine. For whichever reason the reaction is just as you describe.