THERE'S been a tragic spate of mushroom-related illnesses and even deaths in Iran this month, with more than 800 people made sick from eating poisonous fungi.
At least 11 people have died, according to the country's Tasnim news agency, while two more have received liver transplants.
Citizens of 10 provinces in the west of Iran have been told not to buy loose mushrooms or gather them in the wild, but rather only buy the packaged product in supermarkets or grocery stores.
It's believed that an unusually high level of rainfall over the last month has led to a growth surge in wild mushrooms, with the BBC reporting it's likely some are the poisonous "death cap" or Amanita Phalloides (pictured).
Looks like it's safer to lie inside on the couch and watch TV.
A public holiday in the UK this weekend has led doctors to issue an official warning about gardening and DIY accidents.
Figures released by the Royal College of Surgeons indicate more than 25,000 injuries from such activities between 2014 and 2017, including severed fingers and broken bones caused by hand tools and lawnmowers.
More than 90% of the incidents involved men, the College noted.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 25 May 18
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