Chelonitoxism: On Pemba Island in the Zanzibar archipelago, eight children and an adult died after consuming sea turtle flesh, while 78 other people were taken to hospitals, according to authorities on Saturday. The people of Zanzibar regard sea turtle meat as a delicacy, despite the fact that it occasionally causes chelonitoxism, a form of food poisoning that results in death.
Medical Officer’s Account
According to Dr. Haji Bakari, the Mkoani District Medical Officer, the mother of one of the children who passed away earlier was the adult who passed away late on Friday. He claimed that on Tuesday, the turtle meat was eaten.
Laboratory testing had verified that all of the victims had consumed sea turtle flesh, Bakari told The Associated Press. A crisis management team headed by Hamza Hassan Juma was dispatched by the authorities of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous province of Tanzania in East Africa. The team’s recommendation was for people to refrain from eating sea turtles. After consuming turtle flesh in November 2021, seven people—including a 3-year-old—died on Pemba, and three more were admitted to the hospital.
What is Chelonitoxism?
Eating sea turtles can lead to an uncommon form of food illness called chelonitoxism. It can happen in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic seas. Sea turtle poisoning has been associated with two species of turtles: the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).
Mass breakouts due to chelonitoxism can occur, particularly during celebrations in groups. Even though international restrictions protect sea turtles as an endangered species, major outbreaks of chelonitoxism persist. Chelonitoxism treatment options include intravenous fluids, electrolyte replenishment, and respiratory assistance. For chelonitoxism, there is no recognised remedy.
