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KOTA KINABALU: The State Health Department, on Saturday, confirmed five food poisoning cases due to pufferfish toxin in Sabah recently, with one case reported in Kota Kinabalu on Jan 10 and four in Kota Marudu on Jan 24.

State Health Director Dr Maria Suleiman said that the victims, aged between 15 and 48, experienced symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, diarrhoea, numbness in their extremities, and breathing difficulties after consuming self-cooked pufferfish purchased locally.

While three victims have been discharged following treatment, two remain hospitalised in stable condition, with health authorities implementing preventive measures, including community education.

Pufferfish contain a deadly neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin (TTX), undetectable through sight, smell, or taste, which can cause severe symptoms within 10 to 45 minutes of ingestion, potentially leading to death within 24 hours.

Residents are urged to avoid consuming suspected TTX-contaminated seafood and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur, with further information available on the Health Ministry's platforms.