Man dies of brain infection after drinking small amount of coconut water

coconut water that had been left unrefrigerated for a month. According to a 2021 report in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, the man experienced severe symptoms within hours of consumption and was later declared brain dead.

Symptoms appeared within hours

Shortly after drinking the coconut water, the man developed excessive sweating, nausea, and vomiting. He became confused, lost balance, and his skin turned pale. «MRI scans taken in hospital showed he had severe brain swelling, but medics remained baffled by what had caused the reaction. Despite being treated in intensive care for metabolic encephalopathy — when problems with metabolism cause brain dysfunction — he was declared brain dead 26 hours after arriving at hospital and his life support was switched off,» the report stated.

The coconut was preshaved

«Approximately 4.5 hours before admission, the patient had consumed coconut water directly from a coconut using a straw. Because the water had a foul taste, he swallowed only a small amount. Afterward, he opened the nut and described to his wife that the interior was slimy and looked rotten,» the report added.

The coconut had been preshaved, with the inner flesh exposed at the top for easy access. «A straw was included and used for puncturing the coconut at the time of consumption. Recommended storage was at 4°C–5°C in the refrigerator, but the coconut had been kept on the kitchen table for 1 month after purchase,» the report further mentioned.

Importance of proper coconut storage

Experts emphasize the importance of storing coconuts correctly. «For opened coconuts (i.e., the white flesh is exposed/partially peeled), they should be stored in the fridge. Shelf life is much shorter. For whole unopened