Zanzibar, Tanzania – Tragedy struck Pemba Island in the Zanzibar archipelago as several individuals fell ill or died after consuming sea turtle meat. Authorities reported that eight children and one adult lost their lives, with 78 others hospitalized. The consumption of sea turtle meat is highly regarded as a delicacy by the people of Zanzibar, but it led to what is believed to be chelonitoxism, a form of food poisoning.
The devastating incident saw the mother of one of the deceased children also passing away after consuming the turtle meat. Dr. Haji Bakari, the District medical officer in Mkoani, confirmed that the tragic events occurred after the consumption on Tuesday. Laboratory tests confirmed that all victims had indeed consumed sea turtle meat, further solidifying the link between the consumption and the resulting sickness and deaths.
In response to the crisis, authorities in the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar dispatched a disaster management team under the leadership of Hamza Hassan Juma. Urging the public to refrain from consuming sea turtles in light of the incident, the team aimed to prevent further tragedy from occurring. This is not the first time such an occurrence has taken place in the region, as in November 2021, seven individuals, including a 3-year-old, lost their lives due to consuming turtle meat, with three others requiring hospitalization.
The recurring incidents of sickness and death linked to the consumption of sea turtle meat highlight the dangers associated with this practice. It serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety measures and regulations in protecting public health. As investigations continue into the recent tragic events on Pemba Island, efforts to raise awareness about the risks involved in consuming certain delicacies like sea turtles are paramount to preventing similar incidents in the future.