Wild Mushroom Warning: Are You Risking Your Life with a Deadly Bite? Public Health Officials Sound the Alarm!

The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) has issued a strong advisory against picking wild mushrooms, which proliferate during the rainy season, due to reported cases of food poisoning. In a social media post on Monday noon, the DA-CAR emphasized the risks associated with consuming wild mushrooms without proper identification, urging the public, “If you are not sure if these are edible, don’t eat them.”

To aid in the identification of poisonous mushrooms, the DA-CAR described the common characteristics of toxic varieties, specifically the amanita species. These mushrooms often feature warts or scales on their caps, thin white gills or spores, ring-like structures or skirts on their stems, and umbrella-shaped caps.

Karen Lonogan, Development Management Officer IV and head of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health-CAR (DOH-CAR), reported six incidents of mushroom poisoning in May and June. The DOH-CAR public advisory detailed the severe health risks posed by non-edible mushrooms, which contain toxins targeting the gastrointestinal and nervous systems.

Symptoms of poisoning range from allergic reactions, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting to hallucinations and behavioral changes. These symptoms can manifest 30 to 60 minutes after consuming so-called magic mushrooms and within 30 to 120 minutes for toadstool mushrooms.

The severity of mushroom poisoning symptoms depends on the species, the specific toxins involved, and the amount ingested, necessitating varied treatment approaches. The DOH emphasized that not all poisonous mushrooms are brightly colored, and their toxic parts can affect humans differently. Importantly, boiling, drying, salting, or removing certain parts of poisonous mushrooms does not neutralize their toxins, and many do not have a distinct smell or taste that would alert consumers to their danger.

In light of these dangers, the DA-CAR and DOH-CAR have issued several key recommendations to the public:

1. Purchase from Safe Sources: Always buy mushrooms from reputable supermarkets or directly from known mushroom growers.

2. Supervise Children: Keep an eye on children playing in areas where mushrooms grow to prevent accidental ingestion.

3. Seek Immediate Medical Help: If symptoms of mushroom poisoning appear, seek medical consultation immediately.

The rise in mushroom poisoning incidents highlights the critical need for enhanced public health and safety measures. Public awareness campaigns and clear guidelines from authorities like the DA-CAR and DOH-CAR play a vital role in preventing such cases. By educating the public on the risks and proper identification of wild mushrooms, and encouraging the purchase of mushrooms from safe sources, these measures can significantly reduce the incidence of mushroom poisoning in the Cordillera region.

Do you believe more public health campaigns are needed to prevent mushroom poisoning in the Cordillera region?

• Yes, to increase awareness and safety.
• No, current measures are sufficient.
• Unsure, need more information.