Four die after eating turtle meat

PADANG, West Sumatra: Four residents in Sikakap subdistrict, Mentawai Island regency, died after eating turtle meat while 16 others needed treatment at a local community health center.

Two residents, Romin and Ulfa, died shortly after eating the meat on Wednesday last week while another resident, Lemanus, passed away two days later.

Another resident, Mangantal, died on Tuesday at the community health center, said the head of the North Pagai community health center, Dr. Warta Siritoitet.

One resident, Arman, said the turtle meat had been distributed to about 20 people. Arman said he developed a strong headache after eating the meat.

Dr. Warta said the residents often ate turtle meat but this was the first time any deaths had been reported.

The case is being investigated. -- JP