Mushroom claims 3 family members

THREE family members died while eight others were in critical condition at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after they allegedly consumed poisonous mushrooms in Mberengwa West last week.

Chief Senator Ngungumbane of Mberengwa confirmed the incident, but said he did not have the finer details.

“I heard about the death of three family members from Mberengwa, while eight other family members, who are said to be critically ill, were taken to Masase Mission Hospital before they were taken to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo for treatment,” he said.

Tarusarira Village head Simbarashe Moyo confirmed the incident, which he said took place on Thursday last week.

Mr Moyo said he learnt with great shock of the passing on of the three family members from his area and the admission of the other eight in hospital after consuming the poisonous mushrooms.

He said while details were still sketchy, information from Tarusarira Village was that the trio died on Thursday last week.

“I confirm receiving news to the effect that three members of the same family passed on this morning (Thursday) after consuming poisonous mushroom,” said Mr Moyo.

“Eight other family members were left ill and were taken to Masase Mission Hospital before they were ferried to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after their condition deteriorated.”

Mr Moyo said they were still in a state of shock following the fatal incident.

Mr Moyo, who is the health centre committee (HCC) chairperson for Masase Mission Hospital, said he was not at liberty to disclose the names of the victims since their next-of-kin were still to be notified.

He said while there were poisonous mushrooms around in the forest, it was rare that more than three members of the same family succumbed to the poison at the same time.

“We are hoping for God’s grace that the other family members survive because it will be a catastrophe for the village and the district at large,” said Mr Moyo.

“We urge adults to closely monitor their children when they bring mushroom from the forest since some of it is poisonous and may be fatal like in this case.”

Mushroom poisoning (mushroom toxicity) occurs after the ingestion of mushrooms that contain toxins, often in the context of foraging for non-toxic, similarly appearing mushrooms.