Death cap mushrooms sprouting early in Canberra this year


Released 07/01/2021

Acting ACT Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Miranda Harris has warned Canberrans not to eat or pick any wild mushrooms.

Dr Harris said death cap mushrooms were sprouting earlier than usual this year, most likely due to wet weather and milder summer temperatures.

“We not would normally expect to see death cap mushrooms in the ACT until March or April, but an early growing season is not unheard of,” Dr Harris said.

“As the name suggests, death cap mushrooms can be deadly. All parts of the mushroom are poisonous whether they have been cooked or not.”

Death cap mushrooms are known to grow in areas across the ACT. While they often grow near established oak trees, they can also be found where no oak trees are evident.

Death caps are easily mistaken for edible mushrooms.

Dr Harris 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, urgently seek medical attention at a hospital emergency department and take any remaining mushroom to the hospital for identification,” Dr Harris said.

“Symptoms of poisoning generally occur 6-24 hours or more after eating mushrooms, and include pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

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

“Eating wild mushrooms is just not worth the risk. Don’t eat mushrooms you have found in the wild, and only purchase mushrooms from a reputable supplier.”

Anyone who sees a wild mushroom in a public area can report it to Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

For more information about the death cap mushroom visit: https://health.act.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/Death%20Cap%20Mushrooms.pdf

- Statement ends -

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