ZANZIBAR, Tanzania — Eight children and an adult died after eating sea turtle meat on Pemba Island in the Zanzibar archipelago and 78 other people were hospitalized, authorities said Saturday.
Sea turtle meat is considered a delicacy by Zanzibar’s people even though it periodically results in deaths from chelonitoxism, a type of food poisoning.
The adult who died late Friday was the mother of one of the children who succumbed earlier, said the Mkoani District medical officer, Dr. Haji Bakari. He said the turtle meat was consumed Tuesday.
Bakari told The Associated Press that laboratory tests had confirmed all the victims had eaten sea turtle meat.
Authorities in Zanzibar, which is a semi-autonomous region of the East African nation of Tanzania, sent a disaster management team led by Hamza Hassan Juma, who urged people to avoid consuming sea turtles.
In November 2021, seven people, including a 3-year-old, died on Pemba after eating turtle meat while three others were hospitalized.
A tragic incident has rocked the small island of Pemba in Zanzibar, as nine individuals have lost their lives and 78 others have been hospitalized after consuming sea turtle meat. The consumption of sea turtle meat is not only illegal in Tanzania, but it also poses serious health risks due to the high levels of toxins found in these endangered animals.
Sea turtles are known to accumulate toxins such as mercury, PCBs, and other pollutants in their bodies as they feed on contaminated marine organisms. When consumed by humans, these toxins can lead to a range of health issues, including neurological disorders, kidney damage, and even death.
The recent outbreak on Pemba Island serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with consuming illegal and contaminated wildlife. Despite efforts by local authorities to crack down on the illegal trade of sea turtle meat, the practice continues to persist due to cultural beliefs and a lack of awareness about the health risks involved.
In response to the incident, health officials have issued warnings urging residents to avoid consuming sea turtle meat and to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any symptoms of poisoning. Additionally, efforts are being made to educate the public about the importance of protecting endangered species and the potential consequences of consuming contaminated wildlife.
The tragic incident on Pemba Island serves as a sobering reminder of the need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws and greater public awareness about the dangers of consuming illegal and contaminated wildlife. It is crucial that individuals understand the risks involved in consuming such products and take steps to protect both their health and the environment.
As investigations into the incident continue, authorities are working to identify those responsible for the illegal trade of sea turtle meat and ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families. It is hoped that this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for communities across Zanzibar and beyond to prioritize conservation efforts and put an end to the illegal trade of endangered species.
