Health Authorities Investigate Poisoning Linked to Suspected Toxic Herbal Soup Consumption

CHP investigates suspected poisoning case after consumption of medicinal plant

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 19) investigating a suspected case of poisoning related to the consumption of soup containing Radix Fici Simplicissimae suspected to be mixed with Gelsemium elegans, and appealed to members of the public not to collect, buy or consume medicinal plants of unknown origin.

The case involves a 65-year-old male and a 60-year-old female from the same household. They developed dizziness, nausea, blurred vision and fingertip numbness around 30 to 60 minutes after consuming self-prepared soup containing Radix Fici Simplicissimae at home on September 3. They attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital on the same day and were in stable condition. Both of them have been discharged after treatment.

Urine samples of both patients, as well as the remnants of the herbal soup and the unused Radix Fici Simplicissimae, were sent for laboratory testing by the hospital. The urine sample of the female patient and the remnants of the herbal soup were found to contain gelsemine after laboratory testing.

The CHP's initial investigations revealed that the Radix Fici Simplicissimae concerned was not bought in Hong Kong. Investigations are ongoing.

"Radix Fici Simplicissimae is not toxic, but it resembles some toxic plants, such as Gelsemium elegans, and could be mixedup with these substances. Members of the public should purchase medicinal plants from licensed shops with good reputations and should not consume medicinal plants of unknown origin. If they feel unwell after taking medicinal plants, they should seek advice from healthcare professionals immediately," a spokesman for the CHP advised.

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation (the delegation), led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, began a four-day duty visit in Japan today (December 21) to strengthen ties with Japan and gain a deeper understanding of the latest situations and opportunities of the country in the areas of trade, culture and tourism, fisheries and agriculture, and food safety.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, the delegation had dinner and exchanged views with representatives of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo. Members and the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au, discussed issues such as fostering the bilateral economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and Japan, attracting investment, and promoting Hong Kong tourism. Members also gained insight into the latest developments of Japanese culture, and explored the opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan’s cultural industries. Mr Leung expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo for their assistance in facilitating this duty visit.

The delegation will continue their duty visit in Japan tomorrow (December 22).

The delegation is led by Mr Leung. The Deputy delegation leader is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Liaison Subcommittee, Mr Tommy Cheung. Other participating Subcommittee members are Mr Jeffrey Lam, Mr Dominic Lee, Ms Nixie Lam, Ms Joephy Chan, Mr Tang Fei and Mr Yim Kong.

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases