Chelonitoxism


Chelonitoxism is a type of food poisoning from eating marine turtles. It is considered rare.
Hawksbill turtle meat is one source of the biotoxin as well as green sea turtle. Celonitoxism has also been reported in the New Guinea giant softshell turtle. Chelontoxism can be deadly and there is no known antidote. Sea turtle is a traditional food in the outer Micronesian islands. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, and abdominal pain. Severe cases can induce coma and multiorgan problems. Children are especially susceptible and the toxins have been reported to transfer via breastfeeding.