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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (May 16) investigating a suspected case of poisoning involving a family of four persons after consuming soup containing Radix Fici Simplicissimae and appealed to members of the public not to collect unknown plants or buy medicinal plants of unknown origin for consumption.
The case involved three men and one woman aged between 29 and 60. All of them consumed self-prepared soup containing Radix Fici Simplicissimae at home on May 14 evening and a woman aged 53 and a man aged 60 felt dizzy and developed blurred vision 30 minutes afterwards. Their symptoms subsequently subsided and they did not seek medical attention. Two other men, aged 29 and 31, consumed the soup again last night (May 15). They developed palpitations, dizziness and muscle weakness within one hour. They attended Tseung Kwan O Hospital and were then admitted for treatment. One of them has already been discharged. All affected persons are currently in stable condition.
Their urine samples have been collected by the hospital for laboratory testing.
The CHP's investigations revealed that the Radix Fici Simplicissimae concerned was bought by one of the family members in the Mainland. Investigations are ongoing.
"As Radix Fici Simplicissimae resembles some toxic plants, such as Gelsemium elegans, it could be mixed up with these substances," a spokesman for the CHP explained.
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/Friday, May 16, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:45
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