Authorities say the risk of poisonings usually increase during the monsoon season - from April to October, when wild mushrooms grow abundantly in the region
At least six people died over the last week in separate incidents in the East Jaintia Hills district in Meghalaya after consuming poisonous mushrooms. According to officials, the incidents were mainly reported from rural areas where wild mushrooms are often collected from forests and consumed as part of the daily diet.
The District Medical and Health Officer said both adults and children have been affected, and the risk of such poisonings usually increases during the monsoon season, from April to October, when wild mushrooms grow abundantly in the region.
Experts say the main cause of mushroom poisoning is the accidental consumption of toxic mushrooms, which closely resemble edible ones in shape, size, and colour. Most people are not able to distinguish between the two, causing mishaps. Poisonous varieties of mushrooms are also sold in local markets mixed with edible varieties.
Main effects of mushroom poisoning
Hallucinations
A few mushroom species contain toxins that lead to hallucinations. These psychotropic types are commonly referred to as magic mushrooms. Doctors say apart from hallucinations, other effects include confusion, muscle weakness, agitation, rapid heart rate, and severe headache.
Gastrointestinal illness
Many poisonous mushrooms cause gastrointestinal illness, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea.
Liver failure and death
Many fungi-related deaths are also attributable to the death cap mushroom, Amanita phalloides, with symptoms like nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Doctors say the toxin from mushrooms leads to liver and kidney failure and can also be fatal.
What are the signs and symptoms of mushroom poisoning?
According to doctors, early symptoms of mushroom poisoning can include:
- Feeling sick
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Watery or bloody diarrhoea
A few mushrooms also cause hallucinations and euphoria. If you have any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room right away. All poisonous mushrooms cause vomiting and stomach pain.
How is mushroom poisoning treated?
Experts say the treatment depends on the type of mushroom you ate. Mostly, the doctors will
- Give you a sedative - a medicine to relax your body—if you are having hallucinations.
- Give you medicine through an IV into your vein
- Use a special filter to take poison out of your blood through dialysis.
How can you avoid mushroom poisoning?
According to doctors, always take the following steps to prevent poisoning:
- Never eat wild mushrooms unless you know what variety of mushrooms they are
- Be cautious when collecting mushrooms from forests or unknown areas
- Buy mushrooms only from clean and trusted sources
- Avoid mushrooms that appear unhygienic or spoiled
-
Wash and cook mushrooms properly before consumption
- Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of poisoning appear
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