Canberrans are being warned not to eat or pick any wild mushrooms as Death Cap mushrooms continue to bloom across the region.
Chief Health Officer Kerryn Coleman said Death Cap mushrooms were growing in the ACT and growth was expected to increase as the Territory headed into autumn.
“We had an early growing season this year due to mild summer temperatures, but autumn is usually the peak growing period,” Dr Coleman said.
“All parts of the Death Cap mushroom are poisonous, whether they have been cooked or not,” she said.
“Death Caps are easily mistaken for edible mushrooms.”
Dr Coleman said that while Death Cap mushrooms were known to grow near established oak trees, they could also be found on places where no oak trees were evident.
She also warned the community not to touch wild mushrooms with bare hands and to keep children and animals away from them.
“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,” she said.
“If possible, take any remaining mushrooms to the hospital for identification.”
Dr Coleman said symptoms of poisoning generally occurred six to 24 hours or more after eating mushrooms, and included pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
“The chances of survival increase when treatment is started early,” she said.
“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.”
Dr Coleman said anyone who saw a wild mushroom in a public area could report it to Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
Further information on Death Cap mushrooms can be accessed at this PS News link.
