8 Children Pass Away After Consuming Sea Turtle Meat on Isolated African Island
According to a report by Metro, a tragic incident occurred on Pemba Island in the Zanzibar archipelago, where eight children and one adult lost their lives after consuming sea turtle meat. Another 78 individuals were hospitalized after partaking in the meal on March 5, as stated by Dr. Haji Bakari, the medical officer for Mkoani District. Despite being recognized for its potential food poisoning risks, sea turtle meat remains a sought-after delicacy in the region, known for its flavor reminiscent of beef and a texture often likened to squid or alligator.
Dr. Bakari confirmed through laboratory tests that all victims had ingested sea turtle meat. This type of poisoning, called chelonitoxism, can occur rarely and is believed to be associated with toxic algae consumed by turtles, according to insights from the Turtle Foundation charity.
Chelonitoxism, also known as sea turtle meat poisoning, is a rare and sometimes deadly form of food poisoning resulting from the consumption of marine turtles, as stated by the National Library of Medicine. It initially manifests as gastrointestinal symptoms, followed by neurological, hepatic, and renal toxicity.
According to the National Library of Medicine, research indicates that all parts of the sea turtle carry potential toxicity. Symptoms can range from mild nausea and vomiting to severe neurological effects, coma, and ultimately death.
Following a tragic incident, authorities in the archipelago dispatched a disaster management team to Pemba, advising residents to refrain from consuming sea turtles.
In 2021, a comparable occurrence unfolded when seven individuals, one of whom was a three-year-old, perished on Pemba island after consuming turtle meat. As per a BBC account, the toxicity can be particularly severe for children and elderly individuals. Analogous incidents have been documented in Indonesia, Micronesia, and the Indian Ocean islands of India. Thus far, there has been no discovery of an antidote for the poisoning.
