Health alert issued over potentially fatal wild mushrooms

The fungus, often called amanita phalloides, has been linked to a number of deaths previously and sometimes grows close to established oak bushes throughout heat and moist climate.

ACT chief well being officer Kerryn Coleman mentioned the mushrooms have been recognized to develop in areas throughout the ACT and anticipated a flurry of fungus clusters to sprout within the upcoming weeks.

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“We had an early growing season this year due to mild summer temperatures, but autumn is usually the peak growing period,” Dr Coleman mentioned.

She mentioned the demise caps might be “extremely difficult to distinguish from edible mushrooms”.

Last yr one individual died and eight have been hospitalised after consuming the lethal mushrooms.

Dr Coleman warned the neighborhood to not contact them with naked fingers and to maintain kids and animals away from them.

“All parts of the death cap mushroom are poisonous, whether they have been cooked or not,” she mentioned.

Symptoms of demise cap mushroom poisoning embody abdomen pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea and usually happen six to 24 hours or longer after consuming the mushrooms.

But signs may subside for one to 2 days, offering a misunderstanding of restoration.

“By this stage, the toxin will have already caused serious liver damage and liver failure or death may occur, “ Dr Coleman said.

“If you think you may have eaten a death cap mushroom, seek urgent medical attention at a hospital emergency department even if there are no symptoms. If possible, take any remaining mushrooms to the hospital for identification.

“The chances of survival increase when treatment is started early.

“Do not take the risk and don’t eat mushrooms you have found in the wild. All mushrooms should be bought from a reputable supplier.”

Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 within the occasion of suspected poisoning.

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