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.
HKSAR Government and MIIT sign co-operation agreement on new industrialisation
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Mr Jin Zhuanglong, witnessed the signing of the Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces and the Promotion of New Industrialisation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in Beijing today (September 19).
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology Mr Xiong Jijun represented Hong Kong and the Mainland, respectively, in signing the co-operation agreement. The agreement aims to support Hong Kong in developing new quality productive forces and promoting new industrialisation according to local conditions. Moreover, it strengthens exchanges between the two sides in the fields of industry and information technology, promoting co-operation and joint development in industries where both places have clear advantages.
Mr Lee said, "The HKSAR Government actively develops new quality productive forces, promotes new industrialisation, and fosters better integration into the national system of industry and innovation. The signing of the co-operation agreement between the HKSAR Government and the MIIT today signifies the importance of our efforts to integrate into national development. The HKSAR Government will collaborate with the MIIT to further advance innovation, technology and industry, injecting new impetus into economic development and making greater contribution to the comprehensive promotion of Chinese modernisation to build a great country and achieve national rejuvenation."
Before the signing ceremony of the co-operation agreement, both sides updated each other on the latest policy initiatives for developing new quality productive forces and promoting new industrialisation. They also exchanged views on areas for strengthened co-operation and discussed how the two places could promote the development of innovation and technology while integrating into the overall national development.
HKSAR Government and MIIT sign co-operation agreement on new industrialisation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSAR Government and MIIT sign co-operation agreement on new industrialisation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSAR Government and MIIT sign co-operation agreement on new industrialisation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
