Several Residents in Basilan Hospitalized After Eating Pufferfish
Several residents of Lamitan City in Basilan were rushed to the hospital after eating dried pufferfish, locally known as butete.
Recently, the Facebook page Ministry of Health – BARMM reported that the victims reportedly suffered from dizziness and stomach pain caused by eating dried pufferfish, locally known as butete. The post elicits comments from netizens.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Bangsamoro regional government immediately extended assistance to those affected. According to a report from the MOH, a team from its Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit was deployed to investigate the incident.
The team confirmed that the cause of the poisoning was the consumption of dried pufferfish, which is known to contain a deadly toxin that can be harmful even in small amounts.
Health authorities said the victims started feeling sick shortly after eating the fish. They were immediately brought to a nearby hospital for treatment and observation. Fortunately, medical teams responded quickly, preventing the situation from becoming more serious.
The MOH reminded the public to avoid eating pufferfish and other types of poisonous fish, as their toxins cannot be removed even when cooked or dried. The agency also emphasized that food safety should always be observed, especially in coastal communities where these types of fish are commonly caught and sold.
As part of its response, the MOH assured continuous medical support for those affected and ongoing monitoring to prevent similar incidents. The local government of Lamitan City is also coordinating with the health ministry to spread awareness and educate residents about the dangers of consuming unsafe seafood.
The incident reminds the public to be cautious when preparing and eating seafood, especially unfamiliar kinds of fish that may pose serious health risks.