Sabah: Sabah has reported five suspected cases of pufferfish poisoning this month, with two victims still hospitalised and receiving treatment.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Health director Dr Maria Suleiman stated that one case was recorded in Kota Kinabalu on January 10, while four others, involving members of the same family, were reported in Kota Marudu recently. The victims, aged 15 to 48, experienced symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, diarrhoea, numbness in the hands and feet, and difficulty breathing after consuming pufferfish purchased from a local market.

Dr Maria noted that the Sabah State Health Department (JKNS) is aware of the incident, which has been circulating on social media. Three of the victims have been discharged after treatment, while two remain hospitalised in stable condition.

Dr Maria explained that pufferfish contain a neurotoxin known as tetrodotoxin (TTX), which can cause symptoms of poisoning within 10 to 45 minutes of consumption. Symptoms include numbness of the lips, tongue, and face, headaches, heartburn, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and paralysis of critical muscles such as those involved in breathing.

In severe cases, Dr Maria warned, death can occur within six to 24 hours. She added that TTX is not limited to pufferfish but can also be found in other marine species such as horseshoe crabs and certain sea snails, as well as amphibians like poison frogs.

JKNS has implemented control and preventive measures, including providing health education to the affected individuals and the local community. The public is urged to avoid consuming foods suspected of containing TTX and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of poisoning.