According to the District Police Office, Palpa, Binimaya Kamu Magar, 66 of Rambha Rural Municipality-5, Phalkun, died on May 17, and Bal Kumari Khamcha, 35, of the same place died on May 19 while undergoing treatment at the United Mission Hospital after consuming wild mushrooms.
They had fallen ill after cooking and eating mushrooms collected from the forest. In the same incident, Yam Maya Jarga, 50, is undergoing treatment at Mission Hospital, informed DSP Bhimlal Bhattarai of the District Police Office, Palpa.
According to police, misconceptions still persist, particularly in rural areas, such as “mushrooms eaten for a long time are safe,” “mushrooms eaten by birds are also safe for humans,” or “poisonous mushrooms can be identified by their color.” Such false beliefs are increasing the risk of consuming poisonous mushrooms.
Police stated that such incidents continue to recur due to a lack of adequate public awareness, limited health-related knowledge, and the failure to effectively educate communities about identifying poisonous mushrooms.
Meanwhile, 12 people who fell ill after consuming poisonous mushrooms in areas including Tansen, Nisdi Rural Municipality, and Mathagadhi Rural Municipality have also been treated at United Mission Hospital.
Acting Chief of the Health Office, Palpa, Tuk Prasad Pokharel, said that local governments, health institutions, schools, and community organizations need to jointly conduct public awareness campaigns. He mentioned that human casualties could be reduced by disseminating information about the risks of poisonous mushrooms through radio programs, school education, community gatherings, and health camps.