Shillong, May 10: A family meal turned fatal in East Jaintia Hills after an 8-year-old boy died of suspected mushroom poisoning at NEIGRIHMS on Friday, with three others still hospitalised.
Police said Mongol Rai of Mukhain village was referred from Sutnga Community Health Centre to NEIGRIHMS on May 9 but succumbed to suspected food poisoning after consuming mushrooms. Three other persons are currently undergoing treatment.
Wild mushrooms, which are commonly foraged during this season, are particularly dangerous to consume if not chosen carefully. Several poisonous varieties closely resemble edible ones and can cause rapid, severe illness and even death. Mushroom poisoning claims lives practically every year in Meghalaya. Although the overall numbers are quite low, the effects can be devastating when poisonous mushrooms are consumed in a family setting.
Locals have been urged to avoid eating wild mushrooms unless identified by experts and to seek immediate medical help if symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, or dizziness occur after consumption.
