After four residents of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces died after consuming toxic insects known as blister beetles, the Ministry of Health’s Communicable Disease Control Department (CDC) has once again reminded people not to consume unknown insects or plants as it could endanger their lives.

Following the deaths, in an August 11 post, the CDC issued a warning which illustrated the possible consequences of consuming unknown insects or plants.

“Four of our people have died in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces from consuming toxic insects known as blister beetles. After eating them, they developed cold sores, vomited blood, experienced loss of consciousness and had blood in their urine. Irreparable damage to their kidneys eventually caused death,” it said.

In Preah Vihear province, provincial health department director Kuong Lo identified the victims as a married couple who worked together on a farm in Choam Ksan district. On August 4, he said, the wife, 56, consumed five blister beetles while her 58-year-old husband ate two.

“She ate more and had worse symptoms than her husband. She sadly passed away on the morning of August 5 in the provincial referral hospital,” Lo said.

Her husband, who was transferred to Siem Reap Provincial Referral Hospital, is suffering from kidney problems, he added.

The CDC recommended people contact the 115 health hotline if they wish to learn more.