Food influencer dies after eating toxic 'devil crab' as authorities issue severe warning
A food influencer in the Philippines had died after consuming a toxic 'devil crab' for a social media video.
In footage shared onto her account on 4 February, vlogger Emma Amit can be seen cooking various types of seafood with her friends after going fishing near her home in Puerto Princesa in The Philippines. The 51-year-old then bites into a sea snail while cooking the crustaceans in a large pot filled with coconut milk.
The next day Emma - who was an experienced fisher - fell ill after consuming a toxic reef crab in the meal, which subsequently flooded her bloodstream with neurotoxins. Neighbours reporting seeing her convulsing as she was taken to a local health centre.
The mother's health would later take a further turn for the worse, as her lips turned blue and she fell unconscious.
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She was rushed to hospital by loved ones, but despite medical staff's best efforts to save her, Emma died two days later.
Devil crabs were later confirmed as the cause of death for Emma by Laddy Gemang, chief of Luzviminda village, who said that brightly coloured shells from the sea creature had been found at her home.
"I saw the shells, there were around eight. I don't know if all of them were devil crabs, but they all looked alike," he said, adding that the experienced fisher should've been able to spot them.
"This is really saddening because they should have known. She and her husband, they are both fisherfolk. They live by the sea, so I know they know about this devil crab that's dangerous to eat. So why did she eat it? That is what I'm confused about."
Her death has since led to officials in the province to issue a warning against eating seafood they are not familiar with.
"To the residents of Puerto Princesa, I am urging you to be doubly vigilant," Laddy told residents.
"Do not eat these dangerous devil crabs because they have claimed two lives here in our town. Don't gamble with your lives."
Officials added that they were monitoring Emma's friends to make sure they didn't display similar symptoms.
What are toxic devil crabs – and why are they fatal?
Also known as zosimus aeneus, these crabs are found in the Indo-Pacific region, in countries from East Africa to Hawaii.
According to The Smithsonian, they are poisonous to humans as their muscles store deadly toxins tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin with consuming one likely to kill you in a 'a matter of hours'.
Meanwhile the local community have since shared tributes to the vlogger, with friend Beverly Villanueva describing her death as 'shocking and sudden'.
"You were like an older sister," she wrote. "I will miss you always. I know you didn’t want to leave yet because you still had so many plans in life, but why? That’s a question that will never be answered, because you’re gone"
Topics: Food And Drink
Brenna Cooper