Chelonitoxism
Chelonitoxism is a type of food poisoning from eating marine turtles.[1] It is considered rare.[2] Hawksbill turtle meat is one source of the biotoxin as well as green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas).[1] Chelontoxism can be deadly and there is no known antidote.[3][4] Sea turtle is a traditional food in the outer Micronesian islands. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, and abdominal pain.[1] Severe cases can induce coma and multiorgan problems. Children are especially susceptible and the toxins have been reported to transfer via breastfeeding.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d Multiple fatalities following ingestion of sea turtle meat NACCT Congress – September 23–26, 2011 Washington DC POSTER SESSION III 169
- ^ Fussy, Agnès; Pommier, Philip; Lumbroso, Catherine; De Haro, Luc (2007). "Chelonitoxism: New case reports in French Polynesia and review of the literature". Toxicon. 49 (6): 827–32. doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.12.002. PMID 17250862.
- ^ Chelontoxism Food Safety Net
- ^ Pacific Islanders die after feasting on poisonous turtle meat Telegraph