EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSHROOM POISONING IN YUNNAN PROVINCE, CHINA, 2004-2016

Mushroom consumption is common in Yunnan Province, China. We aimed to determine the epidemiology of mushroom poisoning (MP) in Yunnan in order to inform MP prevention measures. We retrospectively reviewed MP surveillance data for 2004-2016, recording demographic data of victims, type of mushroom ingested, and possible risk factors for fatal cases. A total of 1,538 MP cases, with 413 deaths were reported for Yunnan Province during the study period. More cases occurred during the summer each year. Seventy-six percent of cases occurred among adults aged 18-64 years. Amanita farinosa was the most common cause of MP and deaths. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, factors significantly associated with death were victim aged <7 years or >64 years, consuming self-picked mushrooms and onset of MP symptoms >= 6 hours after ingestion. MP is a public health problem in Yunnan Province, China. Preventive programs should target all age groups, especially young children and the elderly and should recommend against consuming self-picked mushrooms. The peak time MP prevention programs should be conducted is at the beginning of summer. Physicians should be informed that subjects with symptom onset >= 6 hours after ingestion are at greater risk of death.