CHP investigates case of suspected mad honey poisoning
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 5) investigating a case of suspected mad honey poisoning, and reminded the public to buy honey from a reliable source or apiary.
A 42-year-old female developed hypersalivation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness around one hour after consuming honey yesterday (August 4). She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on the same day and was admitted for treatment due to hypotension and bradycardia. The patient was in stable condition. Her clinical diagnosis was suspected mad honey poisoning.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient consumed honey brought to Hong Kong by a friend from Nepal. The poisoning might have been caused by grayanotoxin. The investigations are ongoing.
"Mad honey poisoning is caused by ingestion of honey containing grayanotoxins derived from plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, including rhododendrons. Grayanotoxins are neurotoxins which can affect nerves and muscles. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, hypersalivation and paraesthesia shortly after ingestion. In severe cases, hypotension, bradycardia or shock may occur," a spokesman for the CHP explained.
Members of the public are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice:
Source: AI-generated images
SED to visit France
The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, will begin her visit to France tomorrow (September 10, France time). She will visit Lyon, Toulouse and Paris.
Dr Choi will attend WorldSkills Lyon 2024 organised by WorldSkills International. This year, Hong Kong will send its largest-ever delegation to the event to participate in over 30 competitions. Apart from giving her support to the delegation in person, Dr Choi will attend the WorldSkills Conference and speak at a panel discussion to promote vocational and professional education and training in Hong Kong.
In addition, Dr Choi will attend the European Association for International Education Conference and Exhibition in Toulouse to promote Hong Kong's unique competitive edge as an international higher education hub, and visit the Hong Kong Pavilion set up by the Heads of Universities Committee Standing Committee on Internationalisation to support the work of the eight University Grants Committee-funded universities in attracting more overseas students to study in Hong Kong.
During her tour, Dr Choi will visit Paris and call on international organisations. She will also visit research institutes and universities, as well as exchange views with Hong Kong youths studying or working in France.
Dr Choi will conclude her visit and return to Hong Kong on September 19 (France time). During her absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education.
Source: AI-generated images
