CHP Investigates Suspected Mad Honey Poisoning Case, Urges Public to Buy Honey from Trusted Sources

CHP investigates suspected case of mad honey poisoning

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 6) investigating a suspected case of mad honey poisoning, and reminded the public to buy honey from a reliable source or apiary.

A 38-year-old male developed dizziness, nausea and generalised weakness around two hours after consuming honey yesterday (October 5). He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on the same day and was hospitalised for observation due to bradycardia. The patient is now in stable condition. His clinical diagnosis was suspectedmad honey poisoning.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the honey in question was produced in Nepal. The poisoning might have been caused by grayanotoxin. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.

Mad honey poisoning is caused by ingestion of honey containing grayanotoxins derived from plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, including rhododendrons. Grayanotoxins are neurotoxins that can affect nerves and muscles. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, hypersalivation and paraesthesia shortly after ingestion. In severe cases, hypotension, bradycardia or shock may occur.

Members of the public are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice:

Buy honey from a reliable source or apiary;

Discard honey with a bitter or astringent taste -grayanotoxin-containing honey may cause a burning sensation in the throat; and

Pay special attention to honey from India, Nepal and the Black Sea region of Türkiye, as honey from these areas has led to grayanotoxin poisoning cases.

Source: AI-found images

Rent aid puts start-ups on firm footing

The Housing Authority's Well Being·Start-Up 2.0 Programme has successfully expanded, partnering with private shopping centres to contribute to a base of more than 70 rent-free shop units for young entrepreneurs to try out their business plans - seven times the scale of the first phase.

News.gov.hk spoke to a representative from the Housing Department and two young entrepreneurs who have participated in the programme to learn about what makes it work so well.

The story is available at www.news.gov.hk/eng/feature from today (April 19) in text and video format.

Source: AI-found images