Following the death of a grandson after consuming poisonous mushrooms recently in Ri-Bhoi district, his grandmother also today died today at Bethany Hospital, Nongpoh where she was undergoing treatment.
It may be noted that on June 2, five members of a family had to be rushed to Nongpoh Civil Hospital and Bethany Hospital after they suffered illness after consuming wild mushrooms that they collected from a nearby jungle at Saiden village.
Those who suffered mushroom poisoning were the grandmother Larita Syiemlieh, her children – Wanphrangsngi Syiemlieh (23), Daniki Syiemlieh (16), Larikynti Syiemlieh (14) and her grandson Da-u-lajied Syiemlieh (3) who died recently.
The body of the grandmother has been handed over to her family members at Saiden village for the funeral.
Meghalaya has seen a surge in mushroom poisoning incidents, with 27 cases reported so far this year, resulting in five deaths.
Recently, three children and an adult from the same family in Saphai village in West Jaintia Hills died after consuming poisonous mushrooms.
The symptoms of poisoning include upset stomach, thirst, sweating, hallucinations, coma, and liver damage.
The National Health Mission (NHM) has issued an advisory urging citizens against consuming wild mushrooms, especially if unsure of their type.
The advisory emphasises caution when collecting mushrooms, as they can absorb toxins from the environment.
