Key Update

A family of six from Thodumala, Amboori, Thiruvananthapuram, fell ill after consuming wild mushrooms on Thursday and were rushed to the hospital. The affected members include Mohanan (65), his wife Savitri (60), their son Arun (36), daughter-in-law Suma (30), and grandchildren Anaswara (14) and Abhishek (12).

Symptoms and Medical Response

The family fell ill after eating mushrooms they had picked and cooked from a field near their home, prompting immediate hospitalisation. Abhishek was the first to show symptoms around 12:30 pm, experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea, and fatigue. Doctors initially treated him at a nearby clinic before transferring him to the hospital in a panchayat ambulance.

Doctors admitted all family members to CSI Medical College Hospital, Karakkonam. Arun and Savitri remain in serious condition, while Anaswara and Suma are stable. Abhishek and Mohanan are under close monitoring in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). Authorities are investigating which type of poisonous mushroom the family consumed.

Precautionary Note

Authorities warn that not all wild mushrooms are safe to eat. Poisonous mushrooms carry toxins that cause food poisoning, and many closely resemble edible varieties, making identification difficult. Cooking, boiling, or drying does not destroy these toxins. People who experience vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, or dizziness after eating wild mushrooms must seek immediate medical attention. Some toxins can damage the liver and kidneys and may even prove fatal. Authorities strongly advise residents to avoid consuming wild mushrooms to prevent serious health risks.

Source: Manorama