Tragedy Strikes: Fatalities and Hospitalizations Surge After Consumption of Sea Turtle Meat on Zanzibar’s Pemba Island

Nine people have died and 78 others were hospitalized after consuming sea turtle meat on Pemba Island in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The meat is considered a delicacy despite its potential for causing chelonitoxism, a type of food poisoning. Authorities have confirmed that all the victims had consumed sea turtle meat and have urged people to avoid it. This incident follows a similar one in November 2021, where seven people died and three others were hospitalized after eating turtle meat.