The health ministry headquarters in Phnom Penh. The ministry has issued a warning about the dangers of consuming unknown species of mushrooms after 17 people were hospitalised in Ratanakiri province. Post Staff
The Ministry of Health has called on the public to exercise caution before eating unknown species of mushrooms, warning that some types of the fungi can be deadly.
The warning follows the hospitalisation of 17 people in Ratanakiri province’s O’Yadav district. It was reported that they consumed poisonous mushrooms at their homes near Pak Nhey commune’s Lom village on July 21.
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Their symptoms included abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting.
In a July 23 statement, the ministry said that all 17 were being treated at local health centres and hospitals.
“With support from the ministry, the provincial health department emergency response team is cooperating with local authorities to investigate the poisoning and conduct educational outreach activities in the villages where the incident occurred,” it said.
The statement explained that out of the thousands of species of mushrooms, about 100 are poisonous.
“Before cooking mushrooms, make sure that they are not poisonous. If unsure, people should seek advice from the elderly who know which mushrooms are safe to eat. Even non-toxic mushrooms should be cooked well before they are eaten,” said the notice.
The ministry recommended maintaining good hygiene and that people wash their hands with soap and clean water before handling food.
It noted that most symptoms of mushroom poisoning occur two to six hours after consumption and can last for several days. They may include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, sweating, enlarged irises, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties and intense pain. Depending on the level of toxins in the mushrooms, they can also cause death.
The ministry explained that some other toxins affect the nervous system, kidneys or liver, sometimes days or weeks after eating. It recommended that people who suspect they have eaten poisonous mushrooms seek immediate medical treatment at the nearest health facility.
“The ministry encourages all citizens to follow the above guidelines and share this educational message with their family and friends so they can avoid the life-threatening danger caused by eating poisonous mushrooms,” it said.
It called on all health officials and local authorities to disseminate these measures to their local communities.
