Mushroom poisoning claims another victim

NONGPOH/SHILLONG, June 9: In a concerning development, mushroom poisoning has claimed another life, with Larita Syiemlieh (40) succumbing to the effects on Sunday after being transferred from Civil Hospital, Nongpoh, to Bethany Hospital last week.
Police have reported that the information was received from Bethany Hospital, Nongpoh. The tragic incident began on June 2 when a family of five from Nongkyndang block of Saiden village in Ri-Bhoi fell seriously ill after consuming wild mushrooms during dinner. The mushrooms were reportedly sourced from Umran Dairy and consumed at approximately 8 pm.
Within hours of consumption, all five family members — Larita Syiemlieh and her children, Wanphrangsngi Syiemlieh (23), Daniki Syiemlieh (16), Larikynti Syiemlieh (14), and Da-u-Rijied Syiemlieh (3) — began exhibiting symptoms such as vomiting and flu-like effects. The family was immediately rushed to Nongpoh Civil Hospital for treatment. Due to the severity of their conditions, Larita and her son Daniki were later transferred to Bethany Hospital for advanced care. Tragically, the three-year-old Da-u-Rijied Syiemlieh passed away on June 5.
In a related incident, on June 1, three siblings, all minors, from Saphai village in West Jaintia Hills also died after consuming wild mushrooms. A few days later, another death was reported in the same case, bringing the total number of fatalities to four.
These incidents highlight the severe risks associated with consuming wild mushrooms, underscoring the need for public awareness and caution.