Philippines: Three dead and dozens sick after eating sea turtle stew

Summary

Three people died and 32 were hospitalized in the Philippines after eating a stew made from an endangered sea turtle in Maguindanao del Norte.

Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal spasms, likely caused by toxins from contaminated algae consumed by the turtle.

The stew was a traditional dish, but hunting or consuming sea turtles is illegal under Philippine law.

Similar poisoning cases have occurred, with sea turtles traditionally hunted for their flesh and eggs in some communities.