CHP investigates suspected food poisoning case related to wild mushrooms

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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 29) investigating a suspected case of food poisoning related to the consumption of wild mushrooms, and urged the public not to collect and eat wild mushrooms from parks or the countryside.

     A 57-year-old female patient developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea about two hours after consuming mushrooms at home today. She sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and was admitted to the hospital for further management on the same day. The patient is now in a stable condition.

     Initial investigations revealed that the patient had consumed wild mushrooms picked near Fu Heng Estate, Tai Po yesterday (May 28). An investigation is ongoing.

     "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," a CHP spokesman said.

     "We advise the public to buy mushrooms from reputable and reliable suppliers and not to buy mushroom products which may be mixed with unknown species. Members of the public should not pick wild mushrooms for consumption as it is difficult to distinguish edible mushroom species from inedible ones. Mixing of edible species with inedible or poisonous species of mushrooms will not dilute toxicity. Cooking in most cases does not destroy toxicity," the spokesman added.

     "If mushroom poisoning is suspected, the patient should seek immediate medical attention and bring along any available remnant for identification," the spokesman said.

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