Descriptive Epidemiology of Poisoning from Horseshoe Crab Ingestion from 2011-2020
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Abstract
Fatality from ingestion of horseshoe crabs continues to occur in Thailand. Data had been collected in the past, but has not been analyzed to be useful. The purpose of this research is to study poisoned cases of horseshoe crab ingestion in Thailand reported during 2011 - 2020. Epidimological analysis was based on person, time, place, and their data. The data were collected from 4 related agencies that reported these cases between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2020. A total of 226 cases of horseshoe crab poisoning were found in this study. The most common age range was 31 - 40 years (24.8%). The most frequent occurrences were between January to April, with the highest reports in February. Most of them were found in the eastern region of Thailand, with the highest reports in Trat province (44.6%). According to the overall report in this study, 44 cases (19.5%) were caused by round-tailed horseshoe crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) poisoning. Creating unified and clarified variable in report form such as types and origin of horseshoe crabs, symptoms, eating time, time of onset, as well as food and beverages involve in particular meal will help determine the cause. Government agencies should publicize the awareness of ingesting each type of horseshoe crab, establish measures for surveillance, and set up a guideline for investigation to determine the cause of poisoning from horseshoe crab ingestion.
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