Sea Turtle Consumption Linked to 420 Fatalities and 2,400 Cases of…

A recent study reveals that the consumption of sea turtles is linked to 420 deaths and over 2,400 cases of chelonitoxism worldwide. Notable incidents occurred in the Philippines and Tanzania, highlighting the severe effects of this rare poisoning. The study highlights that hawksbill turtles are primarily responsible for incidents, with wide-reaching implications for public health and conservation efforts.

A recent study has unveiled alarming statistics regarding sea turtle consumption, linking it to 420 fatalities and over 2,400 cases of chelonitoxism, a rare yet lethal form of seafood poisoning. The most recent incident occurred in the Philippines, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and hospitalizing at least 32 others after consuming an endangered sea turtle in stew. Previous cases include a tragedy in March 2024 on Pemba Island, Tanzania, where nine people died, and 78 were hospitalized due to turtle meat consumption.

Chelonitoxism, commonly referred to as sea turtle poisoning, leads to severe symptoms affecting the upper digestive tract. Individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, along with general signs of dizziness, malaise, and sweating. While recovery usually occurs within a week without severe complications, extreme cases may escalate to glossitis, dysphagia, drowsiness, multi-organ failure, coma, and possibly death or neurological issues for survivors.

The study evaluated 62 confirmed incidents of chelonitoxism across the Caribbean and the Indian and Pacific Oceans, revealing at least 2,424 victims and 420 fatalities. The majority of cases were identified in remote locations throughout the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Zanzibar, Madagascar, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and the Comoros Islands. Alarmingly, 70 percent of these incidents originated from Madagascar, India, French Polynesia, Sri Lanka, and Papua New Guinea.

Furthermore, the study indicated that illegal turtle exploitation, especially in Haiti, can lead to underreported cases, suggesting that the actual number of poisoning incidents could be significantly higher than documented. The hawksbill turtle was identified as the primary contributor to these cases, being responsible for 59 percent of reported incidents. Green turtles accounted for 23 percent, while loggerhead turtles, flatback turtles, olive ridley turtles, and leatherback turtles were also involved in some poisoning cases.

The research highlighted that nearly all turtle organs are potentially toxic, regardless of cooking methods. Some reports noted the consumption of turtle eggs, driven by beliefs regarding their aphrodisiac properties. Notably, breastfed infants can also suffer from sea turtle poisoning if their mothers consume the turtle meat, as toxins can be transmitted through breast milk.

The study proposed intravenous lipid emulsion treatment as a possible remedy for victims of sea turtle poisoning, demonstrating efficacy in treating sea turtles with brevetoxicosis.

The findings of the study underscore the severe health risks associated with sea turtle consumption, particularly the potentially fatal chelonitoxism. Despite the rare occurrence of such incidents in certain regions, the illegal exploitation of sea turtles is a significant concern. The need for increased awareness and monitoring is imperative to prevent further fatalities and protect vulnerable populations that may be affected by this dangerous practice. The study’s emphasis on the implications of sea turtle poisoning highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and education to curb illegal consumption and promote public health safety regarding seafood poisons.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com