Four in Critical Condition After Consuming Poisonous Mushrooms in Keonjhar

Keonjhar, June 25(OT Webdesk): Four members of a family from Balia village, under Anandapur subdivision in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, were hospitalised in critical condition on Tuesday after allegedly consuming wild mushrooms foraged from nearby forests.

According to locals, the family unknowingly ingested what doctors now suspect to be toxic mushrooms. Within hours of their meal, all four exhibited symptoms including vomiting, dizziness, and unconsciousness.

Alerted by the situation, neighbours rushed them to the Anandapur Sub-Divisional Hospital.

Medical staff are monitoring their condition, which remains serious but stable. Mushroom samples have been sent for laboratory testing to confirm toxicity.

In response, district authorities have launched a public awareness campaign, urging residents to avoid consuming unfamiliar wild mushrooms.

Officials emphasised the importance of educating rural communities about food safety risks posed by toxic fungi.

This incident highlights recurring challenges in rural healthcare awareness and underscores the need for improved food literacy at the grassroots level.

Investigations into the exact mushroom species involved are ongoing.