Hospital admissions due to poisonous sea creatures rising - Health Ministry

by Carol Aloysius

A surge in the number of patients admitted to hospitals from poisonous sea creatures has caused alarm among health officials.

"Some are already known to us. But many remain elusive. We need to urgently identify them as they collectively pose a danger to public health and life," Head, Department of National Poisons Information and Toxicology, National Hospital Sri Lanka, Dr Waruna Gunathileke told the Sunday Observer.

He said to contain this emerging threat, his Unit had launched an in-depth study on poisonous marine life in Sri Lanka., for the first time.

Known species of poisonous marine creatures found here include, sea snakes, sea urchins, shell fish (mukudu belle) , some types of octopus, a fish called ginimaha and sone fish. "The sea snake is very poisonous. Its bite can lead to renal failure and death", he warned adding there were recorded cases of victims of this marine snake reported from Chilaw, Trincomalee and Weligama.

The in-depth survey will include people from several marine related fields such as: marine biologists, divers, marine archaeologist, marine zoologists and those in the fisheries industry including fishermen.

"To do this comprehensive study we appeal to the public to provide us with any information they have on sightings, details of these fish and their habitats.

They can also send photos they may have to help us identify them, as it is a new field of study for us," Dr Gunathileke said.

The 24-hour hotline to call is 2686143 .

One can also email them at [email protected] or access them on facebook- facebook.com/ NTPISCSL.