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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (December 25) investigating a suspected case of poisoning involving a family of four persons after taking soup containing Radix Fici Simplicissimae and wishes to remind members of the public not to collect unknown plants or buy medicinal plants of unknown origin for consumption without consulting healthcare professionals.
The case involved two men and two women, aged between 34 and 64, who developed dizziness, vomiting, muscle weakness and hallucination within an hour after taking self-prepared soup containing Radix Fici Simplicissimae at home on December 23. Two patients sought medical treatment at Tuen Mun Hospital today and were admitted to the emergency ward for treatment. The remaining two patients did not consult doctors. All the affected persons are currently in stable condition.
Investigations revealed that the Radix Fici Simplicissimae concerned was bought by one of the family members a long time ago. The CHP's investigations are proceeding.
"As Radix Fici Simplicissimae resembles some toxic plants or Chinese medicinal herbs (e.g. Radix Gelsemii Elegantis), it is suspected that there could have been mix-up of such substances," a spokesman for the CHP said.
The spokesman reminded members of the public to purchase medicinal plants from licensed shops with good reputation. If they feel unwell after taking medicinal plants, they should seek advice from healthcare professionals immediately.
Ends/Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:23
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