The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 15) investigating a suspected case of food poisoning related to the consumption of wild mushrooms, and urged the public not to pick and eat wild mushrooms.

     The case involves a female aged 48, who developed abdominal distension and lower limb weakness about half an hour after consuming mushrooms at home on June 14. She sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of North District Hospital on the same day and was admitted to the hospital for further management. She is in a stable condition.

     Initial investigations revealed that the patient picked the wild mushrooms that she consumed from a planter near Lam Tsuen in Tai Po on June 14. 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 such as 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/Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:30

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