Sabah confirms 5 pufferfish poisoning cases this year

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Health Department has confirmed five cases of suspected food poisoning linked to pufferfish consumption this year.

Its director, Dr Maria Suleiman, said the first case was reported in Kota Kinabalu on Jan 10, while four others involved a family from Kota Marudu on Jan 24.

"The victims, aged 15 to 48, experienced symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness in their hands and feet, and difficulty breathing after consuming pufferfish purchased from local markets and prepared at home," she said in a statement.

Dr Maria added that all five patients received hospital treatment. Three have since been discharged, while two remain hospitalised in stable condition.

She explained that pufferfish contain tetrodotoxin (TTX), a potent neurotoxin. TTX is also found in other marine species, such as horseshoe crabs and sea snails, as well as in certain poisonous frogs.

"TTX contamination in food is undetectable by sight or smell and does not alter the food's appearance. Symptoms of poisoning can occur within 10 to 45 minutes after consumption," she said.

Symptoms include numbness in the lips, tongue, and face; nausea; diarrhea; and muscle paralysis, including respiratory muscles. Severe cases can lead to death within 6 to 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the state government is considering banning the sale of pufferfish.

"Currently, the sale of pufferfish is allowed as some individuals can safely remove the toxin, but I urge the public to choose safer alternatives," he said.

The warning follows a fatal incident in Johor in 2023, where an elderly couple in their 80s died after consuming pufferfish.

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