A Dane died a day after drinking coconut juice (3 photos)

Plus another phobia to add to the pile.





A 69-year-old man bought a coconut in a store, but did not put it in the refrigerator and forgot about it for a month. Recently, he accidentally came across a nut and decided to drink the juice. The Dane pierced the fruit with a straw and took literally a couple of sips. He did not drink more - the liquid seemed sour to him and had an unpleasant aftertaste. And after a few hours he felt ill: he began to sweat, feel nauseous and vomit, the man could not keep his balance while walking - he was unsteady and nauseous, and his skin turned very white and became sticky.

An ambulance was called for the poor guy. Doctors hospitalized the unfortunate man in a clinic, where he underwent a series of tests and examinations, including an MRI, which showed that the victim had severe cerebral edema. The patient was treated in the intensive care unit for metabolic encephalopathy (ME), and 26 hours after hospitalization, he died.



An autopsy revealed the presence of the fungus arthrinium saccharicola in the deceased's body. This species produces a toxic compound called 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA), which causes severe brain damage. The same fungus was found inside the same tainted coconut. The fruit was sold ready to eat, with the skin partially removed and a straw for drinking the juice.



Similar cases have been described before. Among those affected by this fungus were residents of Africa and China who ate moldy sugar cane. They also suffered from similar gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea, before encephalopathy overtook them.

There are no effective drugs yet that suppress the intoxication of fungal products, so doctors conduct therapy that eliminates symptoms and potential complications, such as meningitis or encephalitis. It is also frightening that only a few days may pass from infection with the fungus to death.

As for coconuts, only whole, undamaged fruits can be stored at room temperature. Partially peeled ones are best eaten immediately or stored in the refrigerator.