A family admission for poisoning with mad honey: a case report

Abstract

Poisoning with mad honey occurs by ingestion of grayanotoxin containing honey produced by bees fed with the flowers of “Rhododendron ponticum” and “Rhododendron luteum”. It is prevalent in Nepal, North America, Brazil and Japan, and in Eastern Black Sea region in Turkey. Toxic symptoms in case of poisoning by ingestion of mad honey may be seen even with very small amounts. It can cause life threatening conditions. In this case report, a family of 35-year-old mother, 38-year-old father and their 5 and 10-year old daughters poisoned with mad honey and admitted to the emergency department is presented. Parents complained of dizziness, nausea-vomiting, abdominal pain and faintness. Daughters had complaints of mild nausea and weakness. Upon the finding of bradycardia and hypotension in parents, mad honey consuming was questioned and a history of breakfast with honey was taken. In this case report, it was aimed to review of the diagnosis and treatment of mad honey poisoning that can be confused with many other diseases.