REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BOGOR -- At least 89 persons were hospitalized due to possible food poisoning after consuming "tutut," local term for freshwater snails, in Bogor, Indonesia's West Java Province. Earlier, it was reported that as many as 38 people were taken to health centers on Friday night. The number has reached 60 on Saturday morning.

By afternoon on Saturday, more cases were reported, bringing the total of 85, Muslim, Secretary of Village Head of Tanah Baru, stated in North Bogor Public Health Center. Meanwhile, another four more victims came to health centers on Sunday.

The victims, ranging from children to adults, were taken to several health centers and hospitals in Bogor District for treatment, Muslim noted.

Local authority received the first report of "tutut" poisoning in North Bogor on Friday. The same day, some residents showed possible symptoms of food poisoning, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting after consuming "tutut" bought from a local seller.

It was the first food poisoning case experienced by the local residents as they had never experienced it earlier after consuming the local delicacy from the seller, Muslim remarked. He revealed that the residents had reported that the "tutut" they consumed were slimy and had an unpleasant odor.

Local health official, Rubaeah said the government has named the incident as extraordinary condition. Investigation on the cause of food poisoning also have been done. "We will have the result on Tuesday," she said.

Tutut are freshwater snails usually found in the paddy fields and commonly used to feed ducks. People in some regions of Indonesia, however, consume "tutut" as a snack and as a local dish.

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