Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 3: After consuming a wild herb, as many as five family members from the Chokibal Kralpora area of North Kashmir Kupwara district were hospitalized due to apparent food poisoning.
The officials told Excelsior that such incidents are usual in this season as these families collect the herbs which are then consumed by them, leading to an altered state of mind.
“This is not typical food poisoning, because in food poisoning the patients suffer fever, vomiting and other related symptoms; those who have consumed this particular herb presented hallucinations and other related symptoms,” Block Medical Officer (BMO), Kralpora Dr Mir Shafi told Excelsior.
He said that the family had accidentally taken the poisonous herb following which they were immediately hospitalized and upon reaching GMC, Baramulla, they were shifted to Srinagar for further treatment.
The affected persons have been identified as Nasir Ahmad Dar (23) son of Ab Majeed Dar, Ab Majeed Dar (55) son of Ab Khaliq Dar, Aisha Begum (51) wife of Ab Majeed Dar, Iqra Banoo (22) wife of Nasir Ahmad Dar and Shakeela Banoo (32) wife of Parvaiz Ahmad Dar all residents of Kralpora Chowkibal Kupwara.
The officials said the condition of the patients is being monitored and that they are currently stable.