Summary
In Moalboal, Cebu, nine people, including four children, were hospitalized after consuming a puffer fish, locally known as “Butete” or “Buriring.” The victims experienced dizziness and vomiting shortly after their meal and were rushed to the hospital. Despite knowing the risks, the victims consumed the fish, which contains the deadly toxin tetrodotoxin. While they are now out of danger, the incident highlights the dangers of eating improperly prepared puffer fish, a highly poisonous species.
Buriring” downs nine in Moalboal
Petra Tapales, 73, Leonardo Dopio, 45, and his wife Josefina, 34, and their three children Leo, 6; Jennilyn, 3; Jeoffrey, 2; Nolan Cabaron, 34, and his wife Mary Jean, 34, and their daughter Jennilyn, 7, were rushed to the Badian District Hospital after showing signs of poisoning.
The victims experienced dizziness and vomiting at 3:15 a.m. yesterday prompting their neighbors to bring them to the hospital.
Senior Police Officer 1 Pariel Gaudencio of the Moalboal Police Station said that five adult victims were admitted while the four children were under observation, although all of them were already declared out of danger.
Gaudencio said that a barangay tanod informed the police station about the incident prompting them to respond. Based on their investigation, the victims shared for dinner at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday the puffer fish cooked by Josefina. The fish were given to them by their neighbor fishermen.
According to Gaudencio, the victims were aware of the toxins contained in the fish but they were confident to eat it because they were already used to cooking “buriring” in the past.
Puffer fish is known to be a toxic fish variety that can poison a person who will eat it if it is not properly cleaned, cut, and cooked.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said “butete” is highly poisonous and its toxins are fatal. In fact, a single puffer fish has enough poison to kill 30 adult humans.
It contains tetrodotoxin, which is deadlier than cyanide based on a study in the United States.
Puffer fish is generally believed to be the second most poisonous vertebrate in the world after the Golden Poison Frog.
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- Tetrodotoxin: Tetrodotoxin is a potent neurotoxin found in puffer fish, known to be one of the deadliest poisons, more lethal than cyanide. It blocks nerve signals, causing paralysis and, in severe cases, death.
- BFAR Warnings: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has repeatedly warned against the consumption of puffer fish due to its high toxicity, emphasizing that improper preparation can result in fatal poisoning.
- Cultural Practices: In some regions, people are accustomed to eating puffer fish, believing they know how to prepare it safely. However, even experienced individuals can make fatal mistakes, leading to poisoning.
- Hospital Treatment: Victims of tetrodotoxin poisoning require immediate medical attention, often involving the use of activated charcoal and supportive care to manage symptoms like respiratory failure.
- Moalboal’s Marine Life: Moalboal is known for its rich marine biodiversity, but locals and tourists must exercise caution when consuming certain species, particularly those known to contain toxins.
