Y Merina Chishi
Dimapur | May 1
Mushroom, one of the world’s favourite foods, considered to be a delicacy, has also proven to be deadly for many people. Affordable and nutritious, the fungi if eaten carelessly can result in death. And this is exactly what happened in the case of a young couple who died last week in Dimapur after consuming poisonous mushroom. The couple reportedly bought the wild mushroom from a non-local and after consumption, resulted in the tragic accident. It is reported that Nagaland has over 50 identified species of wild mushroom. Many are found in the wild while only a few are cultivated. It is difficult for any layman to distinguish edible mushroom from poisonous ones although many elderly Naga people living in villages can tell the difference. The most common reason for the misidentification is close resemblance in terms of colour and general structure of toxic mushrooms species with the edible species.
Dr. Uphadyay, Head of the department of Pathology, SASARD, says there are more poisonous species of mushrooms in Nagaland than edible ones. The professor, who has done a research on ‘identification of wild mushrooms in Nagaland,’ said it is very difficult to identify poisonous wild mushrooms. One of the closest a person can get to identify a poisonous mushroom is to see if animals are feeding on them. However, he recommended not trying it as it is cruelty to animals.
Similarly, Dr. L Daiho, an assistant professor in the department of pathology, SASARD, also warned that people should not directly consume mushrooms without identifying them.
The pathologist pointed out that a person plucking mushroom may also develop allergies if the pores of the mushrooms are open. Still, some mushrooms contain less toxic compounds and so are not severely poisonous. Poisonings by these mushrooms may also respond well to treatment
As there is no concrete test proof to identify poisonous mushroom except from few physical observations, Dr. Daiho recommended the only way is not to eat unknown species.
Over the years there reportedly have been several cases of mushroom-poisoning in the state. Dr. Talimoa of Zion hospital said mushroom poisoning can be very fatal if not treated on time. If the victim fails to recover after the initial effects like vomiting and diarrhea, the doctor said, poisoning can lead to liver failure and send the patient into a coma. In such cases, Dr. Talimoa said liver transplant is the only remedy. He also mentioned that there are particular symptoms of mushroom poisoning and as such no specific antidote is available. Some very severe cases can also lead to kidney failure and affects multiple body systems. The doctor also suggested seeking early medical treatment in case of mushroom poisoning.
Warning
• All colored/colorful mushrooms are poisonous
• Mushrooms producing milky substance are highly poisonous
• Smooth and unblemished mushrooms are generally poisonous
To check if mushrooms are poisonous or not:
• Boil mushrooms and insert a stainless steel into the dish. If the steel forms a black coating, the mushroom is poisonous
• Cut mushroom and onion to rub them together. If the mushroom develops a reddish color, it is poisonous
