Six treated for mushroom poisoning

30 August 2009

Six men from Denchi village in Pemagatshel were treated in the district hospital after they had consumed a poisonous mushroom on August 21. Two were brought to the hospital in a serious condition. The victims consumed a poisonous mushroom locally called khibamung.

“Pupil in one of the patients’ eyes had constricted when they were brought to the hospital,” said Dr Bhim Nath. All the victims were discharged the following day after giving necessary treatment including antidotes. They were also administered IV fluids and induced managed vomiting.

One of the victims said the mushroom is said to be edible but local people said it is poisonous. In what could be the worst case of mushroom poisoning, six members of a family in Toktseri village under Dungmin Gewog died after consuming a poisonous mushroom in 1995.

Only three other members of the family, who lived outside the village, survived. In March 2007, some hospital staff, including the medical officer, also suffered mushroom poisoning after attending a social event. There were no fatalities, though.

According to officials from the hospital, people should only consume mushrooms which are identifiable and known to be edible. And in the event of poisoning, the victims should resort to induced vomiting followed by drinking as much fluid as possible before seeking medical help. Majority of the fatalities were supposed to have been caused by dehydration.

By Gyambo Namgyal

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