Deaths after consuming poisonous mushrooms in Sivasagar prompt health warning

OUR CORRESPONDENT

SIVASAGAR: The recent deaths of two people in Sivasagar district after consuming wild mushrooms prompted health authorities to remind people not to pick or eat wild mushrooms. Health officials of Sivasagar have warned people, especially those living in the rural and tea garden areas, to not consume unidentified mushrooms. Authorities of the health department said that mushrooms bloom during this season and anybody might have mistaken the toxic mushrooms for edible ones because of their similar structure and look. These mushrooms could be lethal if they eaten.

“If anyone thinks he or she has eaten a poisonous mushroom, seek urgent medical attention,” they advised. According to officials, symptoms most commonly associated with eating poisonous mushrooms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Serious symptoms do not always occur immediately after eating, often not until the toxin attacks the kidney or liver, sometimes days or weeks later, they added. Two people had died and five became ill after consuming poisonous mushrooms in Demow area of Sivasagar district recently. Post-mortem reports also confirmed that the reason for death was the consumption of poisonous mushrooms. The deceased had been identified as Durgeswar Bhumij and Pinku Bhumij of Kalithan Chikari Chowk village. The five others who had been admitted to Sivasagar Civil Hospital have been identified as Bhuban Bhumij, Suresh Bhumij, Mina Bhumij, Junmoni Bhumij and Kudel Bhumij.

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