Wild Mushroom Poisoning On The Rise This Summer Across Minnesota

It's been a very wet, warm summer across Minnesota and that's created a risk that you may not normally think about. The weather has been perfect for wild mushrooms to grow, and with that comes an increased risk of exposure.

The Minnesota Regional Poison Center posted a warning on social media that more people have been sickened this year compared to other years from wild mushrooms. Sadly, a lot of the time it is kids who are the victims.

What are the symptoms of wild mushroom poisoning?

Symptoms appear anywhere from several hours after eating a wild mushroom to several days. Those symptoms could include stomach cramps,l vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. Some poisonous mushrooms can ever cause organ failure or death.

Wild mushroom safety tips

The Minnesota Regional Poison Center offers tips to keep you and your family safe.

• Never pick and eat a wild mushroom unless it has been identified by a mushroom expert. The only safe mushrooms to eat are ones from a grocery store.
• Supervise children when playing outside to make sure they aren't eating wild mushrooms.
• Teach children to ask before eating something they find outside.
• Cooking a wild mushroom doesn't make it safe to eat.

What do you do if someone has eaten a wild mushroom?

If you think someone has eaten a wild mushroom you should call the Minnesota Regional Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. It's free and confidential for all Minnesotans and available 24/7.