Hek cautions people on consumption of wild plants
SHILLONG: The death toll following the recent incident of consumption of wild mushroom in East Khasi Hills rose to five after one of the patients identified as Synsharlang Dewkhaid admitted at Shillong Civil Hospital passed away on Tuesday even as Health Minister A.L. Hek has asked people to be cautious before eating wild mushrooms or wild fruits.
Two incidents of mushroom poisoning were reported first from Mawsawa village, Mawsynram, on April 8 and another from Nongpriang, Sohra, on April 6.
In the tragic incident relating to Mawsawa village, consumption of wild mushroom claimed lives of both parents of Remdor Rapthap (20), the father identified as Synsharlang Dewkhaid and mother Darisda Rapthap. He also lost his two younger siblings and his paternal uncle, Ioki Dewkhaid.
Rapthap who is currently recovering at the Civil Hospital, said, “Nine members of the family were affected after consuming mushroom during dinner. We cooked it on Thursday (April 7) and the following morning, we felt nauseating and sick.”
He further said that after consuming the mushroom, none of them felt anything unusual at night as they felt uneasy only the next day.
Rapthap, the fourth of 11 children of the family, further added that the family often consumed the mushroom known locally as ‘tit Kur Miaw’ but what led to that fateful incident remains unknown.
Following the sickness, the victims were first rushed to CHC Mawsynram and after realizing the seriousness of the situation, they were admitted to Ganesh Das Hospital and Shillong Civil Hospital for better treatment.
The victims include Darisda Rapthap (43) who expired on April 11, Iainehskhem Rapthap (9) who passed away on April 11, a one year old member of the family who expired on April 9, Synsharlang Dewkhaid who passed away on April 12 and Ioki Dewkhaid who passed away on April 10.
While condition of Rida Dewkhaid, the paternal grandmother of Rapthap is stated to be weak, Ilapynshai Rapthap’s condition is improving while Daiarlang Rapthap’s condition has been marked as Left Against Medical Advice.
Three other members of the family have been discharged from Ganesh Das Hospital after treatment.
Sources said that such cases of food poisoning are reported at the hospitals.
To a question on the need to create awareness campaigns regarding consumption of wild mushroom, Health Minister A.L. Hek said, “Awareness is conducted as part of the routine in schools and during workshops.”
“People should not consume anything plucked from anywhere. They should be aware before consuming wild fruits and wild mushrooms,” Hek added.
