CHP investigates suspected food poisoning case related to wild mushrooms
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 26) investigating a suspected case of food poisoning related to the consumption of wild mushrooms, and urged the public not to pick and eat wild mushrooms.
The case involves a 60-year-old female who developed sweating, increased salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea about 15 minutes after consuming self-picked wild mushrooms yesterday (March 25). She sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of North Lantau Hospital and was admitted for further observation the same day. She is in stable condition.
The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
Members of the public should not pick wild mushrooms for consumption as it is difficult to distinguish edible mushroom species from inedible ones. Mushroom poisoning is generally acute. Common presentations include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain appearing shortly after ingestion. Depending on the mushroom species, patients may also have other symptomssuch asprofuse sweating, hallucinations, a coma or other neurological symptoms, as well as liver failure. Death may result in severe cases.
If mushroom poisoning is suspected, the patient should seek immediate medical attention and bring along any available remnant for identification.
HKSAR Government fully supports disaster relief for the earthquake in Myanmar
On March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake occurred in Sagaing Region, Myanmar, resulting in serious casualties and infrastructure damage. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government expresses its deep sympathy to the people affected by the disaster and families of the deceased. The HKSAR Government sent a 51-strong search and rescue team to the quake-stricken areas in Myanmar this afternoon (March 29) to assist in the search and rescue work. In addition, the HKSAR Government has immediately reserved $30 million from the Disaster Relief Fund for emergency relief support.
The HKSAR Government is maintaining close contact with various rescue organisations regarding the detailed relief programmes with a view to providing appropriate relief assistance to the people affected and help them overcome difficulties and resume a normal life as soon as possible. The Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee will promptly process related funding applications from organisations.
In addition, the HKSAR Government has liaised with the Consul-General of Myanmar in Hong Kong, and will actively coordinate with various government bureaux/departments to collect the necessary relief supplies according to local needs, striving to deliver them to those in need as soon as possible to meet the current urgency.
