The 34-year-old father picked the mushrooms in a forest in D'Ran commune on 10/6; the type of mushroom was unknown. After eating them, he, his 31-year-old wife, and their two young children experienced abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. They sought treatment at the Don Duong Regional Medical Center.

The husband's condition deteriorated, and he was transferred to Lam Dong General Hospital. He presented with fatigue, yellow skin and mucous membranes, and blood pressure of 160/100 mmHg. Doctors diagnosed suspected mushroom poisoning, acute liver failure, acute kidney failure, electrolyte imbalance, and hypoglycemia. Subsequently, the patient became disoriented and delirious. Lab tests revealed significantly elevated liver enzymes, leading to a diagnosis of hepatic coma caused by mushroom poisoning. He received intensive treatment, including intubation, plasma exchange, and emergency hemodialysis. However, his condition continued to worsen, progressing to fulminant liver failure, severe metabolic disorder, and multi-organ failure.

On 15/6, the patient fell into a deep coma, his blood pressure dropped, and he died after being brought home. His wife and their two children were in stable condition and were discharged from the hospital.

Natural mushrooms harvested by residents in Da Lat. Photo: Hoai Thanh

Lam Dong province is currently in its rainy season, with high humidity fostering the rapid growth of wild mushrooms. This creates a potential risk of poisoning when people harvest and consume unidentified mushrooms. The Lam Dong Department of Health advises residents to absolutely avoid picking, preparing, or eating strange or wild mushrooms before their safety is confirmed. Should symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea occur, individuals should promptly go to the nearest medical facility for emergency care.

Hoai Thanh