Turtles are reptiles belonging to the order Chelonia. Toxic exposures caused by eating turtle flesh is call chelonitoxism.
The precise toxins are unknown. The turtle asymptomatically concentrates the toxin from the environment.
Usual location: islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans
It can present as a mass food poisoning after a feast.
Clinical findings:
(1) nausea and vomiting
(2) dysphagia
(3) abdominal pain
(4) altered level of consciousness
(5) abnormal liver function tests
(6) acute kidney injury
Children are at increased risk.
The toxin can be transmitted by breastfeeding.
