Several people have been hospitalised after eating poisonous mushrooms, sparking a warning for Victorians to avoid eating fungi growing in parks and gardens.
The Department of Health Victoria issued the warning today, stating a "number of people" had been recently taken to hospital after consuming poisonous mushrooms, including the highly toxic Death Caps, which are known to be deadly.
Heavy rainfall across the state in the past month has led to ideal growing conditions for the toxic fungi, with an increase in sproutings spotted in Melbourne parks and gardens.
"A number of serious mushroom poisonings have occurred in Victoria the last two weeks," Dr Angie Bone, Deputy Chief Health Officer (Environment) Victoria said.
"Eating just one Death Cap mushroom can kill an adult.
"Unless you are an expert, do not pick and eat wild mushrooms in Victoria."
The City of Melbourne last month urged people to keep their distance from the Death Caps and yellow-staining mushrooms that were growing in parks due to the above average rainfall.
"Please keep your distance and don't consume these poisonous mushrooms," the council warned on Facebook.
"These are extremely toxic to humans and pets."
https://www.facebook.com/cityofmelbourne/posts/2989343647755517
A New Zealand doctor nearly died from consuming a Death Cap mushroom earlier this month.
Poisoning symptoms can occur up to 24 hours or more after ingestion and include stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Death can be caused by liver or kidney failure.
For help - contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Australia wide).
from 9News https://ift.tt/3fLVIbu
via IFTTT
0 Comments