The hospitalization of a Toronto resident who consumed poisonous wild mushroom has prompted Toronto Public Health to issue a health warning.
The mushroom consumed by the hospitalized individual, public health officials say, has been identified as “Amanita,” which can be fatal.
Toronto Public Health is asking that residents refrain from picking and eating mushrooms found growing in the wild.
While fatal mushroom poisonings are rare in Ontario, officials say mushroom poisoning symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. More severe symptoms include convulsions, hallucinations and coma.
Dr. Margaret Thompson, medical director of the Ontario Poison Centre at SickKids, said it is difficult to tell which mushrooms are edible and which are poisonous.
“While it may be tempting for some residents to forage for wild mushrooms… Our advice is to not take the risk,” Thompson said in a written statement.
Anyone with health concerns related to the consumption of wild mushrooms should call the Ontario Poison Centre at 416-813-5900 or 1-800-268-9017.
