CHP investigates suspected food poisoning case related to wild mushrooms
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The case involves a 50-year-old male, who developed perioral numbness, blurring of vision and nausea about 30 minutes after consuming wild mushrooms at home yesterday (July 7). He sought medical attention at Tai O Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic today and was subsequently referred to North Lantau Hospital for admission and further management. He is in a stable condition.
Initial investigations revealed that the patient picked the wild mushrooms that he consumed from the roadside around South Lantau Road on Lantau Island on July 6. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
"Members of the public should not pick wild mushrooms for consumption as it is difficult to distinguish edible mushroom species from inedible ones," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"Mushroom poisoning is generally acute. Common presentations include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain appearing shortly after ingestion. Depending on the mushroom species, patients may also have other symptoms like profuse sweating, hallucinations, coma or other neurological symptoms, as well as liver failure. Death may result in severe cases," he added.
"If mushroom poisoning is suspected, the patient should seek immediate medical attention and bring along any available remnant for identification," the spokesman said.
Ends/Monday, July 8, 2019
Issued at HKT 18:35
Issued at HKT 18:35
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