ZANZIBAR, Tanzania – Tragedy struck Pemba Island in the Zanzibar archipelago as several individuals were either fatally poisoned or fell ill after consuming sea turtle meat, local authorities reported recently. Among the victims were eight children and an adult who lost their lives, while 78 others required hospitalization due to suspected chelonitoxism, a form of food poisoning.
According to Dr. Haji Bakari, the medical officer for Mkoani District, the mother of one of the deceased children passed away on Friday as a result of consuming the tainted turtle meat earlier in the week. Sea turtle meat is considered a delicacy in Zanzibar, further exacerbating the tragic consequences of this incident.
Laboratory tests conducted by officials confirmed that all the affected individuals had indeed ingested sea turtle meat. In response to the crisis, a disaster management team, led by Hamza Hassan Juma, was dispatched to advise against the consumption of sea turtles and to provide assistance to those impacted by the outbreak.
This is not the first time such a devastating event has occurred on Pemba Island. In November 2021, a similar incident took place where seven individuals, including a young child, lost their lives after consuming turtle meat, while three others required medical attention.
The community in Zanzibar is urged to exercise caution and avoid the consumption of sea turtles as authorities continue to investigate the source of the poisoning outbreak. The tragic events that have unfolded serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with consuming certain types of wildlife.