In Hatay's İskenderun district, a family of seven was hospitalized after consuming Pufferfish and suffering from poisoning. One member of the poisoned family was intubated. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın provided information about the toxin found in Pufferfish and the measures to take after poisoning, stating, “Pufferfish, which contains the toxin tetrodotoxin, is very dangerous. This toxin is highly potent. Even a milligram, a tiny amount equivalent to the tip of a teaspoon, can kill an adult weighing 70 kilograms. Consumption of a pufferfish usually results in exposure to this amount of toxin. Seventy percent of pufferfish consumption cases result in death.
Highlighting the dangers of pufferfish, Yeditepe University Vice Rector and Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın, said, "Pufferfish is not a common species in our country. It can now be found due to current sea movements, ships, and other types of transfers. The meat of this fish is not safe for consumption due to its poisonous nature.
Initial Response Is Not Easy: Hospital Visit Is Necessary
Describing the symptoms after consuming pufferfish, Prof. Dr. Aydın said, "It particularly blocks nerve system channels. It causes numbness, tingling in the body, nausea and vomiting, numbness in the mouth, and a general feeling of unwellness in those who eat it. It can also lead to muscle paralysis and even death. The initial response after eating pufferfish is not easy. Unfortunately, there is no at-home treatment. It is essential to get to a hospital as quickly as possible. While heading to the hospital, it is necessary to be transported under the supervision of a health professional with life support units."
"The 'I'd Eat Anything from the Sea' Mentality Must Be Abandoned"
Prof. Dr. Aydın reminded that the Ministry of Agriculture has taken steps to control the increase of ppufferfish, saying:
"Fishermen are paid for each pufferfish tail they catch. Thus, efforts are being made to reduce and eliminate this species that is increasing in our seas. This was a protective and excellent measure. The mentality of 'I'd eat anything that comes out of the sea' must be abandoned. Do not eat unknown fish. More measures must be taken to prevent this fish from proliferating in our seas."
"Whether Fried or Cooked, All Are Poisonous"
Pointing out that pufferfish can only be prepared in exceptional restaurants and by experienced chefs in Japan, Prof. Dr. Aydın warned, "Therefore, our citizens should not think they can prepare, handle, or cook this fish. There is no chance of succeeding in this. If it were possible, the incident we experienced would not have happened. Another important point is that cooking or any other method will not remove the poison if the poison is present in or on the fish. Thus, whether fried or cooked, consuming it will lead to poisoning. Remember, even a tiny amount can kill an adult. And that is no joke. Eating pufferfish is a risky and potentially life-threatening activity that should be avoided at all costs.
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