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The mushrooms are sprouting because of the damp weather. But not all of them are edible. The button mushroom is particularly dangerous.
Hannover Medical School (MHH) is sounding the alarm: an increasing number of people have been admitted with mushroom poisoning in recent days. Since the beginning of August, six people have already been treated in intensive care at the MHH, one of whom has since died and another who may require a liver transplant. Most of the patients come from countries of the former Soviet Union and the Middle East. The main cause of the poisoning cases is the tuber leaf fungus. "In the home countries of the people affected, the tuber leaf fungus is probably less widespread. Here in Germany, the danger of picking mushrooms is often not taken seriously enough due to a lack of knowledge," explains Prof. Dr. Markus Cornberg, Deputy Director of the Clinical Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology. "Even apps or mushroom books do not protect against confusion." Insufficient knowledge of the individual types of fungi can quickly lead to poisoning and liver failure.
Button mushrooms destroy the liver
The button mushroom is one of the most poisonous mushrooms in Germany and is responsible for 90 percent of all fatal mushroom poisonings. The mushroom is very dangerous as its poison only takes effect several hours after consumption and is then already absorbed throughout the body. Initially, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea occur - similar to a gastrointestinal infection. After one to two days, the liver is damaged, which can be accompanied by blood clotting and kidney dysfunction. "In the worst case, the liver stops functioning, so that only a liver transplant can save the patient's life," says Professor Cornberg.
Consult a mushroom expert
Because of the great danger, mushroom pickers should have the mushrooms they find determined by a mushroom expert before eating them. The Poison Information Center North also advises attending training courses run by the German Society for Mycology before going mushroom hunting. Training can improve knowledge of the species. You should not rely on apps that help you identify mushrooms.
Call an emergency physician in case of suspicion
If mushroom poisoning is suspected, the emergency physician should be called urgently. Mushroom remains and vomit should be kept to facilitate the diagnosis.
The button mushroom grows in deciduous and mixed deciduous forests from August to October. It can be recognized by its three to 15 centimetre wide cap, which is bell-shaped to umbrella-shaped. There are white lamellae on the underside. The color of the poisonous mushroom is green, green-yellow or white. You can find out how to recognize it and other poisonous doppelgangers on the pages of the Nature Conservation Association.
Quick help with poisoning is also available from the Poison Information Center North on (0551) 19240. Less urgent questions about poisoning can be answered by medical staff on (0551) 383180.