9 people died in Zanzibar after eating sea turtles. The dead included 8 children and 1 adult woman. Eating sea turtle meat causes chelonitoxism food poisoning, which is said to be the cause of death of these people. If you are hearing the name of this condition for the first time, then know what is chelonitoxism and its symptoms.
Sea Turtle: Recently a very tragic accident has come to light. On Pemba Island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, 8 children and 1 adult died after eating sea turtle meat. The accident, which occurred just days ago, draws attention to the dangers associated with consuming sea turtles.
Actually, the cause of death has been attributed to food poisoning caused by eating sea turtle. Sea turtle meat is considered a delicacy in Zanzibar, but this accident is quite worrying. Let us know how eating sea turtle meat can prove fatal.
What is Chelonitoxism?
Eating sea turtles can cause a type of food poisoning called chelonitoxism. Sea turtles’ body chemistry is designed to help protect them from predators. Chelonitoxism is a chemical which is poisonous to humans. It is found not only in sea turtles but also in many other sea reptiles.
There is a risk of chelonitoxism due to eating sea turtle meat or coming in contact with their body fluids. Especially, when its meat is not cooked properly. The reason for this food poisoning could also be the algae eaten by sea turtles, which is poisonous for humans. For this reason, eating sea turtle can also cause chelonitoxism.
Apart from Zanzibar, cases of chelonitoxism from eating sea turtles have been reported in many other countries. According to the National Library of Medicine, this incident of food poisoning has already happened in Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean countries.
Chelonitoxism can be identified with the help of some symptoms. Know what its symptoms are.
Diarrhea
Like common food poisoning, in this too the body tries to expel the toxin through stool. Due to this, diarrhea problem may occur.
Vomit
Vomiting occurs to remove the toxin from the stomach. In this, whatever food is in the stomach comes out. In this way also the body tries to expel the toxin.
Stomach pain
Chelonitoxism causes severe abdominal pain, which is mild in the beginning, but can gradually become unbearable.
Fever
To eliminate the infection, the body temperature starts increasing, due to which fever occurs.
Fatigue and weakness
You may experience a lot of fatigue due to fever, diarrhea and vomiting. One reason for this could also be dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea.
Skin rash
The most common symptoms of Chelonitoxism include skin rash and itching. Therefore, food poisoning caused by sea turtle can be easily identified with the help of this symptom.
Neurological changes
Due to Chelonitoxism, some neurological changes can also be seen, such as paralysis, tingling sensation, numbness of body parts, etc.
Apart from these symptoms, the person can also go into coma, organ failure and even death can occur. Due to these serious side effects, eating sea turtles is banned in many countries.
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