Danger to Life in the Forest: Caution When Mushroom Picking
"Depending on the weather conditions, we receive up to 800 inquiries annually due to complaints after consuming mushrooms," says Tara Arif, head of the Poison Information Center (VIZ) of Gesundheit Österreich GmbH.
Severe Poisonings from Mushrooms: 800 Inquiries Annually
Especially in the late summer months of August and September, mushroom and fungi collectors are active - the time when most calls are received by the Poison Information Center. "Every year, there are severe poisonings because poisonous mushrooms are mistaken for edible ones. Therefore, the rule is: When in doubt, it's better to abstain than to risk your health," says Health Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ).
In October 2024, a record was noted with almost 400 inquiries - not counting cases where mushrooms were intentionally consumed to induce states of intoxication. The reason for this peak, according to Gesundheit Österreich in response to an APA inquiry, was the weather conditions: humid and warm weather as well as the flood disaster in mid-September 2024 favored the sprouting of mushrooms.
Warning of Deadly Death Cap Mushroom
Currently, good conditions prevail in Austrian forests after phases of heavy rain. However, caution is advised when consuming: "The death cap mushroom is particularly dangerous. Here, even a single mushroom can be enough to cause fatal liver failure," says Dieter Genser from Gesundheit Österreich.
How many mushroom poisonings occur on average annually in Austria is difficult to say, as some people with mild side effects may not report them, and severe mushroom poisonings with hospital admissions are often simply recorded as "poisoning."
Anyone who wants to consume self-collected mushrooms should either have sufficient knowledge or have the mushrooms identified by experts. The Austrian Mycological Society therefore regularly offers mushroom courses, and in many communities, there is also the possibility of professional mushroom identification by the market office. The use of apps for mushroom identification is not reliable.
Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning and Correct Procedure
The most common complaints after consuming mushrooms are: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In the case of the aforementioned death cap mushroom, health problems often only appear after several hours, followed by an apparent improvement before liver and kidney damage set in. But other types of mushrooms, such as certain Cortinarius species, can also be dangerous as they can be mistaken for chanterelles and also lead to kidney damage. The panther cap, which resembles the blusher mushroom, can trigger neurological symptoms such as muscle twitching, cramps, and consciousness disorders.
In the event of mushroom poisoning, photos of the collected mushrooms - with the location specified - can be sent to the VIZ and forwarded from there to mushroom experts for identification.
(APA/Red)
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