The incident occurred in a coastal town in Maguindanao del Norte Province, where members of the indigenous Teduray community reportedly consumed the dish last week. Soon after, they experienced symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal spasms. Tragically, three individuals succumbed to the poisoning, and others required immediate hospitalization.
Sea turtles are known carriers of a biotoxin called chelonitoxin, which is believed to originate from toxic algae they consume. The toxin affects the turtle's meat, fat, and organs, making them hazardous for human consumption.
Symptoms of poisoning include severe gastrointestinal distress, breathing difficulties, and, in extreme cases, death. Alarmingly, there is no known antidote for this toxin, leaving victims with limited treatment options.
Irene Dillo, a local official, revealed that the toxin had a broader impact, leading to the death of dogs, cats, and chickens that ingested the contaminated turtle meat.
Despite being illegal under the Philippines’ environmental protection laws, sea turtles are still hunted and consumed in some communities, where they are regarded as a traditional delicacy. Councilor Datu Mohamad Sinsuat Jr. emphasized the importance of enforcing these laws to prevent further tragedies. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that such incidents are not repeated.
This is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, a poisoning outbreak in Zanzibar mirrored this incident, with eight children and one adult losing their lives after eating sea turtle meat. Another 78 individuals were hospitalized. Similar cases have also been reported in Indonesia, Micronesia, and Indian Ocean islands, where sea turtles are consumed despite the risks.
Reference:
1. Ewe, Koh. "Three Dead and Dozens Sick after Eating Sea Turtle Stew." BBC News. Accessed December 8, 2024. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2y8xz9nweo.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)