Chelonitoxism: understand the disease caused by consuming turtle meat

Eight children and a woman died after eating sea turtle meat in the Zanzibar archipelago, east Africa. Another 78 people were hospitalized. The deaths were confirmed by local authorities on Saturday (9), according to the British newspaper The Guardian.

The group suffered from chelonitoxism , a type of food poisoning caused by consuming turtle meat, which is considered a delicacy in the region. Still according to the The Guardian, the deceased woman was the mother of one of the children who also died. The turtle meat would have been consumed on the Tuesday before the deaths.

According to Poison Controlan organization belonging to National Capital Poison Centerfrom the George WashingtonUniversityfrom the United States, chelonitoxism is a rare disease , but potentially fatal .

According to the organization, the proliferation of harmful algae in marine environments causes the water to be contaminated by toxins released by these plants. To the cyanobacteria for example, are known as blue-green algae and release toxins that can be consumed by fish and other forms of aquatic life, causing these bacteria to remain in their bodies.

Chelonitoxism is related to these cyanobacteria because they are consumed by sea turtles. Although the species is protected by international regulations, which prohibit hunting and human consumption, it is common for the disease to occur in Indo-Pacific countries, as these are regions that consider turtle meat a delicacy.

The problem is that turtles contaminated by cyanobacteria do not show signs of the disease and appear to be healthy. However, turtle meat is toxic to humans even if cooked or boiled, according to the Poison Control.

Chelonitoxism symptoms

Symptoms of poisoning caused by chelonitoxism include itching and pain in the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain and can be noticed days after ingesting turtle meat. In addition, ulcerations can also occur in the mouth and tongue and, in more serious cases, mental confusion, convulsions or coma, which can lead to death.

Still according to the Poison Control, Chelonitoxism can leave consequences in people who survive poisoning, such as paralysis. In addition to humans, Domestic animals can also be poisoned for turtle meat.

How is the treatment carried out?

Yet There is no specific medication or antidote for chelonitoxism , as the specific toxins released by cyanobacteria are not yet known. Therefore, treatment involves symptomatic care, with medications to alleviate symptoms, and intravenous replacement of electrolytes and fluids. In some cases, respiratory support is also necessary.

Furthermore, the diagnosis of chelonitoxism can be difficult to make, as the symptoms are very similar to other food poisoning — which hinders adequate treatment. To add, according to the Poison Controlmany infected people may be afraid to seek medical care for fear of lawsuits due to illegal consumption of turtle meat.

How to prevent chelonitoxism?

The organization also lists some tips for preventing chelonitoxism. Among them, of course, is avoid consuming sea turtle meat , even if it is cooked. Furthermore, it is essential to remain aware of local and international regulations on protected plant and animal species.

Finally, if you experience symptoms of chelonitoxism, seek medical attention immediately. This is also important when noticing symptoms of food poisoning after eating seafood.