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Assam: Tinsukia administration holds briefing on mushroom poisoning

After mushroom poisoning cases in Tinsukia, officials held a media briefing, issuing an advisory to mushroom consumers amid growing concern.

Sentinel Digital Desk

OUR CORRESPONDENT

TINSUKIA: In the wake of mushroom poisoning cases in Tinsukia district, the district administration along with the Health Department organized a media briefing programme at DC’s office on Thursday. While expressing concern about the incidents, the officials issued an advisory for the consumers of mushrooms.

In a media briefing on emerging mushroom poisoning cases, chaired by Mirzana Hussain, ADC (Health) Tinsukia, the authorities reported two cases of mushroom poisoning in the current financial year, both from the tea garden areas. Fortunately, no fatalities have been recorded so far. The cases were diagnosed early and patients were promptly hospitalized.

The Health Department highlighted that misidentification of mushroom species remains the leading cause of such poisonings. Many toxic mushrooms closely resemble edible ones in shape and colour, making them nearly impossible to distinguish without expert training.

Dr Jayanta Bhattacharjee, Joint Director of Health Services, Tinsukia, issued an advisory outlining early symptoms of poisoning like nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, symptoms may escalate to intense thirst, excessive sweating, hallucinations, coma, and even liver failure. To help the public identify toxic mushrooms, the department stated that poisonous mushrooms may turn green or purple when cut. They often emit a foul odour or cause a burning sensation when handled.

The District Health Society has also issued a public warning urging residents not to harvest or consume wild forest mushrooms without expert identification, stated a release issued by Sangeeta Das, DME NHM, Tinsukia.

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