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What is chelonitoxicosis, the poison that killed 3 people and hospitalized dozens after eating turtle meat in the Philippines?
Three people have died and at least 32 others have been hospitalized in the Philippines after consuming stew made from an endangered sea turtle. Dozens of people in a coastal city in Maguindanao del Norte province experienced symptoms of chelonitoxicosis such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and even paralysis after eating the dish last week, authorities said. Doctors say that to date, there is no known antidote for chelanotoxicism. Read on to know everything about it.
Even though it is illegal under the Philippinesā environmental protection laws to hunt or consume sea turtles, the sea creatures are still eaten as a traditional delicacy.
At least three people have died and 32 others are hospitalized in the Philippines after eating an endangered sea turtle cooked in stew. Dozens of indigenous Teduray people reported symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps after eating the dish last week in a seaside town in Maguindanao del Norte province, officials said.
Even though it is illegal under the Philippinesā environmental protection laws to hunt or consume sea turtles, the sea creatures are still eaten as a traditional delicacy in some communities.
āIt was unfortunate because thereās a lot of other seafood in their village ā loups, fish,ā Irene Dillo, a local official, told the BBC. Residents of coastal cities often get their food from the sea. Some dogs, cats and chickens that were fed some of the recipes also died, Dillo said.
What is the reason for accumulation of toxins in turtle meat?
Sea turtles are renowned for their longevity and resilience, but beneath their protective shells lies a complex biochemical defense mechanism.
Experts say sea turtles eat contaminated algae ā including healthy-looking algae ā which can be highly toxic when cooked and eaten. These toxins, known as chelonitoxin ā a naturally occurring biotoxin ā can cause breathing difficulties, paralysis, and even death in many severe cases.
According to doctors this type of chelonitoxism poisoning Large scale outbreaks occur, as consumption of turtles is often related to a group celebration. Children are most sensitive to this type of poison, although everyone, including pets, who consume contaminated turtles will be at risk.
Chelonitoxin food poisoning has also been documented to be passed to children through breast milk. Cooking turtle meat does not destroy the poison; All parts of the turtle are potentially poisonous.
Signs and Symptoms of Chelonitoxicism
Symptoms of chelonitoxin poisoning may begin as follows:
- Gastrointestinal problems like stomach pain
- nausea
- vomit
- Diarrhea
- itching on face
- pain in mouth and throat
- Confusion
- recovery
- Coma
Experts say diagnosis is often a challenge because the signs and symptoms are similar to other types of food poisoning.
How is chelonitoxicism treated?,
Doctors say treatment measures include symptomatic and supportive care such as intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement and respiratory support. There is no known antidote. To prevent chelonitoxicosis and promote conservation efforts, many countries have enacted regulations banning or restricting the harvesting, sale, and consumption of sea turtle meat.
Several laws prohibit the consumption or hunting of certain species of sea turtles in countries such as India, the United States, Australia, Mexico and Malaysia.
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