A supposed delicacy gone wrong: a case report of stink bug meal consumption

Abstract

A stink bug species, locally called ‘Hayhem’ or ‘Knabu’is consumed as a meal in certain regions in Bhutan. While it is considered a therapeutic food and a delicacy, interviews with some local people reveal that it often causes severe illnesses in some. No published literature has reported any such
cases.A case of intoxication following the stink bug consumption in a healthy 35 year old female is reported here. She presented with severe vertigo and recurrent vomiting. Examination revealed no focal neurological deficits and there was no physical evidence of an allergic reaction. Her vital signs
were within normal range. Blood investigations revealed minimally deranged kidney function. She was treated symptomatically and was managed for acute kidney injury with intravenous fluids and strict input and output monitoring. She recovered after 5 days. Such intoxication can be treated effectively with just conservative management as demonstrated in this case report.