​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 26) 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 60-year-old female who developed sweating, increased salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea about 15 minutes after consuming self-picked wild mushrooms yesterday (March 25). She sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of North Lantau Hospital and was admitted for further observation the same day. She is in stable condition.
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. 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, a coma or other neurological symptoms, as well as liver failure. Death may result in severe cases.
If mushroom poisoning is suspected, the patient should seek immediate medical attention and bring along any available remnant for identification.
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