For food, it is generally believed that the more delicious, the better. No one ever thought that a simple meal could send the whole family to the hospital. So why does black fungus cause illness? Let's take a look together!
Case Review
It all started on July 27th.
Ms. Shen brought the black fungus she had soaked two days ago into the kitchen while preparing lunch. Without much thought, she made a plate of cold black fungus salad for her children.
On that day, Ms. Shen ate the most, followed by her daughter Wenwen. Even her younger brother, who didn't like black fungus, ate some. However, the next day, all three of them began to experience varying degrees of digestive symptoms, including severe stomach pain and vomiting.
So the whole family was taken to the nearest hospital. The mother and Wenwen had more severe symptoms, and after two days of treatment at the local hospital, Wenwen's condition worsened. The doctor suggested transferring her to a hospital in Hangzhou. Soon, Ms. Shen was transferred to the First Hospital of the city, and her daughter Wenwen was admitted to the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University on July 31st. The hospital examination revealed that the illness was caused by toxins in their bodies. But why?
Reasons for Black Fungus Poisoning
On the day of the examination, Director Ye suspected that the soaked black fungus had bred a special bacterium called Pseudomonas cocovenenans. "Pseudomonas cocovenenans produces a toxin called kojic acid. Although some bacteria can be killed by boiling water, their byproducts can survive at high temperatures." Director Ye said. Once unintentionally ingested, kojic acid has a latent period of 24 to 48 hours and the onset of symptoms is very rapid.
Symptoms of Black Fungus Poisoning
In the early stage, patients may experience mild symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and weakness. Later, symptoms such as jaundice, enlarged liver, subcutaneous bleeding, hematemesis, hematuria, oliguria, confusion, restlessness, convulsions, and coma may occur.
Warm Tips:
1. It is recommended to only soak the amount of black fungus needed for one meal for a short period of time. Do not eat black fungus soaked overnight.
2. If you notice any odor or slimy texture after soaking black fungus, immediately discard it and do not consume it.
3. Maintain good kitchen hygiene, do not leave leftovers, wash utensils in a timely manner, and do not leave food residues.
