Warning: Deadly mushrooms on the rise this rainy season
Health officials in Thailand have issued an urgent warning about the lethal dangers of wild mushrooms, as the rainy season spurs their rapid growth across the country.
With both edible and toxic varieties sprouting, officials urge the public to exercise extreme caution when foraging, as misidentification could result in deadly consequences.
Thailandโs recent rainy season has caused an explosion of wild mushrooms, some of which can be fatally poisonous.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has alerted the public to the risks of consuming wild fungi, particularly highlighting the dangerous challenge posed by mushrooms in their early bud stage.
These mushrooms can closely resemble edible varieties, making them hard to distinguish without expert knowledge. Health experts are warning that this confusion has led to serious poisonings, some of which have been fatal.
Dr Panumas Yanawetsakul, DDC Director General, identified two particularly deadly species: the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) and the Bleeding Milk Cap (Lactarius haemorrhagius). The Death Cap, which is commonly found in dipterocarp forests during the rainy season, resembles the white russula or egg mushroomsโboth of which are safe to eat.
However, the Death Cap is highly toxic and can cause fatal liver damage. Its symptoms typically donโt appear until four to six hours after ingestion, often leading people to mistakenly believe they are recovering before the toxins do irreversible damage.
Similarly, the Bleeding Milk Cap, identifiable by its red-tinted flesh when broken, is commonly found beneath certain trees during July. It too can cause severe digestive distress, muscle pain, and organ failure if consumed, often leading to kidney and liver failure.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary, from mild dizziness and vomiting to life-threatening conditions like liver and kidney failure.
Immediate medical attention is critical, as poisoning from these mushrooms can be fatal even after the first symptoms subside.
Medical professionals advise against inducing vomiting at home and recommend consuming activated charcoal and water to help absorb toxins while waiting for medical help, reported The Nation.
Experts stress that people should avoid foraging for wild mushrooms unless they are absolutely certain of their safety.
Wild mushrooms should never be picked from areas treated with chemicals, and eating raw or improperly paired mushrooms, such as those with alcohol, can also be dangerous. The key takeaway: if in doubt, donโt pick or eat it.
The public is strongly advised to avoid consuming any wild mushrooms unless they have been properly identified by an expert to ensure safety. With the rainy season in full swing, officials hope to prevent further fatalities linked to wild mushroom consumption.
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