An actress has died after ingesting the Amazonian frog venom ‘Kambo’ as part of a spiritual ritual and then vomiting.
Marcela Alcázar Rodríguez, 33, took some of the poison that South American natives have used for toxin cleansing, while in Mexico on Saturday, according to local reports.
Rodríguez started throwing up and had severe diarrhoea, which are part of the body’s reactions while going through the ‘healing’.
She first refused help while feeling ill but eventually gave in when her friend came to see her, witnesses said.
Rodríguez was rushed to a Red Cross hospital, where she died.
It was not immediately known how long it took for her to arrive at the hospital.
She was identified by the Mexican production company Mapache Films, which posted a tribute to her on Instagram.
‘With deep regret, we mourn the death of our beloved colleague and friend, Marcela Alcázar Rodríguez,’ stated the production company in Spanish.
‘Her passing left an immense vacuum in our hearts and in our professional community.
‘Her dedication, joy and commitment left a profound mark on all of us who had the privilege of working beside her.’
The Kambo ritual involves drinking over a litre of water, creating burns on the skin and putting mucus from the frog on them. The animal’s venom triggers the body with vomiting and defecation to combat the poison, as heart rate and blood pressure increase.
A shaman at the retreat in Mayocoyani, Durango, reportedly told Rodríguez she could not leave and has fled. Police are searching for the shaman, according to the state attorney general’s office.
‘We extend our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones,’ wrote Mapache Films. ‘We will remember you forever with affection and gratitude.’
Previous warnings have been issued against contact with amphibians.
In November 2022, the US National Park Service advised people against licking Sonoran Desert toad to get high.
‘It can make you sick if you handle the frog or get the poison in your mouth,’ stated the park service at the time.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: Barron Trump’s voice heard for first time since childhood
MORE: ‘Mobster’ nun arrested over links to deadly Italian mafia network
MORE: Crypto-trader found guilty of murdering mother in £500,000 life insurance scam
