Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Health has issued a critical warning following a mushroom poisoning incident that affected 17 individuals, including four women, in Lum Village, Pak Nhe Commune, O'Yadao District, Ratanakkiri Province. On July 21, 2024, these individuals experienced severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting after consuming mushrooms. They are currently receiving intensive care at local health centers and hospitals, according to a press release from the Ministry on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
An emergency response team from the Provincial Administration of Health, in collaboration with local authorities and experts from the Ministry of Health's Department of Infectious Diseases, is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. They are also educating the local population on the dangers of poisonous mushrooms. Out of thousands of mushroom species, around 100 are known to be poisonous.
The Ministry of Health urges the public to take precautions when handling and consuming mushrooms. It is recommended to ensure mushrooms are not poisonous by consulting knowledgeable individuals, cooking mushrooms thoroughly, and maintaining proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands with soap and water before handling food. These steps are crucial to prevent potentially fatal mushroom poisoning.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can appear between two to six hours after consumption and may include constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, dilated pupils, and respiratory distress. The severity and nature of symptoms depend on the specific toxins in the mushrooms. Some toxins can affect the nervous system, kidneys, or liver, with symptoms appearing days or weeks after ingestion.
The Ministry strongly advises anyone experiencing symptoms of mushroom poisoning to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility. Timely medical intervention is essential for effective treatment.
To prevent future incidents, the Ministry encourages all citizens to follow these safety guidelines and spread awareness among family, friends, and the community. Health officials and local authorities are instructed to disseminate educational messages and implement preventive measures to protect the public from the dangers of consuming poisonous mushrooms.
