With carrot-like shape, the Poison Fire Coral fungus is one of the most poisonous fungi on the Earth. (Image via ABC)

The killer fungus from Japan found in Australia

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Business & Industry
Medical and Health
Oct 03, 2019
1830
One of the most poisonous mushrooms, the Poison Fire Coral, was found in Australia for the first time. The finding was unique because the poisonous fungus was originated from the Asiatic region, Japan and South Korea (S. Korea).

The fungi were found on Thursday by photographers in Redlynch, a suburb area in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The local scientists from James Cook University then recognized the fungi as the Poison Fire Coral. The mushroom is held responsible for deaths in Asian countries. The fungi were also found in mountainous areas in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

However, the finding of the Poison Fire Coral was the first in Australia. The finding hinted that the exploration of the poisonous fungi had to be done.

The Poison Fire Coral’s poison is considered dangerous because it can be absorbed through human skin, causing dermatitis or skin irritation. Therefore, if people happen to find it, they must not touch it.

In Japan and S. Korea, people mistake it as traditional medicine by brewing it into a cup of tea, causing fatalities. If eaten, the poison may result in vomiting, diarrhea, and numbness. The poison may also shrink the brain, causing alternated perception, and difficulties in motion and speech.

If the sufferer is left untreated, death may follow due to the brain nerve damage and organ failures.

Source: https://bit.ly/2oCVHAJ

Medical , Biology , Mycology , Fungi , Poison , Asia , Japan , Australia , Science