Why do people get sick or die after eating mangoes?

Mango is one of the most popular and delicious fruits of summer. It is known as the 'king of fruits' for its sweet taste and nutritional value. However, this much-loved fruit can sometimes be the cause of death for people. Recently, a woman died of diarrhea after eating mangoes in Maharajpur, Koyra Upazila of Khulna, and four others from the same family are undergoing treatment in the hospital.

Not only in Bangladesh, but also in neighboring India, several serious incidents like death have occurred after eating mangoes.

Why do people get sick or die after eating mangoes? After reviewing medical science and various incidents, three main serious reasons have been found behind this. The following is discussed in detail:

1. Use of toxic pesticides and carbides

Unscrupulous traders often use harmful chemicals or pesticides before mangoes ripen or for preservation. This is one of the main causes of death after eating mangoes.

Organophosphate poisoning: When the strong pesticides used in mangoes enter the body, it paralyzes the nervous system. In 2018, a child died and three of his siblings fell seriously ill after eating pesticide-laced mangoes in Uttar Pradesh, India. Doctors have identified it as 'organophosphate poisoning'.

Calcium carbide and formalin: Calcium carbide used in mango ripening produces toxic elements like arsenic and phosphorus, which can cause stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and dehydration through excessive diarrhea and death.

2. Severe mango allergy or anaphylaxis

Many people think that eating mangoes can cause a minor itch at best. But medical science says that mangoes can cause an extremely rare and life-threatening allergic reaction, which is called immediate mango hypersensitivity.

Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction can start throughout the body within just 15 minutes of eating mangoes. It can cause swelling of the throat and lips, severe shortness of breath, and sudden drop in blood pressure, which can lead to death.

Doctors' statement: According to researchers at the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute in Delhi, the mango allergen is so strong that it does not spoil even after consuming canned or processed (packaged) juice. Even coming into contact with mango skin or mango trees, many people experience severe inflammation on their skin.

3. Diarrhea and food poisoning

Experts are blaming food poisoning or a serious bacterial infection for the incident in Khulna.

Infected mango: If the mango is rotten, excessively soft, or infected with harmful bacteria (such as Salmonella or E. coli) for some reason, it produces serious toxins or poisons in the body.

Excessive diarrhea and dehydration: Severe diarrhea and vomiting after eating mango quickly drains water and essential electrolytes (salt) from the body. If not treated on time, the patient may die due to shock or organ failure.

Urgent precautions when eating mangoes:

• After buying mangoes, soak them in clean water for at least half an hour to an hour, so that the pesticides or stains are washed off.

• After cutting off the stem of the mango, wash it thoroughly.

• Avoid eating mangoes that are excessively soft, rotten or have an unusual smell.

• If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips and throat, or severe abdominal pain and diarrhea after eating mangoes, contact the nearest hospital without delay.

Source: India Today