In a tragic incident on Pemba Island, a part of the Zanzibar archipelago, eight kids and an grownup misplaced their lives, whereas dozens have been hospitalized, after consuming sea turtle meat—an area delicacy regardless of its well-known risks. This devastating occasion occurred on March 5 and was reported by the favored information web page ‘Pubity’ on Instagram.
In accordance with a report shared on the information portal Metro, a complete of 78 individuals have been hospitalized because of meals poisoning after consuming the meal. Dr. Haji Bakari, the medical officer of the Mkoani District, confirmed the hyperlink between the sicknesses and the consumption of turtle meat.
Regardless of being thought-about a delicacy within the area, sea turtle meat poses vital well being dangers. Lab assessments confirmed that every one affected people had consumed sea turtle meat. The meat is claimed to style like beef, with a texture that may be roughly in comparison with squid or alligator.
Dr. Bakari defined that the poisoning is attributable to a kind of meals poisoning referred to as chelonitoxism, which may be poisonous because of the turtles’ consumption of toxic algae. This uncommon and typically deadly kind of meals poisoning causes gastrointestinal signs, adopted by neurologic, hepatic, and renal toxicity.
Authorities within the archipelago have despatched a catastrophe administration group to Pemba and have urged individuals to keep away from consuming sea turtles. This incident echoes the same tragedy in 2021, the place seven individuals, together with a three-year-old, died on Pemba island after consuming turtle meat, states the report.
Circumstances of sea turtle meat poisoning have additionally been reported in Indonesia, Micronesia, and India’s Indian Ocean islands. Sadly, there isn’t a recognized antidote for any such poisoning.
This heartbreaking occasion serves as a stark reminder of the risks related to consuming sea turtle meat, which might result in extreme meals poisoning and probably deadly penalties, particularly for kids and older people.
