1 person remains hospitalized in serious condition following mushroom poisoning incident
HELENA, Mont. – State public health officials with the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) reminded Montanans and visitors to exercise extreme caution when foraging and consuming wild mushrooms. This statement came after a recent, severe poisoning incident involving wild mushrooms.
HELENA, Mont. – State public health officials with the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) reminded Montanans and visitors to exercise extreme caution when foraging and consuming wild mushrooms. This statement came after a recent, severe poisoning incident involving wild mushrooms.
Montana State University mycologists identified the mushrooms as a part of the Amanita family, either a species of the Amanita pantherina group or the Amanita gemmata group. Since the samples were part of a preliminary identification, it was likely that they contain more than one mushroom species.
Molecular DNA sequencing is currently conducted to confirm the mushroom species.
Authorities believe this was an isolated incident and the general public is safe from any risk or threat. Health officials confirmed the mushrooms were foraged to be consumed as food. No commercial restaurants or grocery establishments were tied to the incident.
Amanita mushrooms are commonly found in coniferous and deciduous forests throughout North America during the summer and fall.
In the evening of July 27, emergency responders dispatched to a private residents in Park County following reports of unintentional poisoning involving wild mushrooms foraged outside of Yellowstone.
11 individuals, all visiting from out of the county, were transported by ground and air ambulances to multiple Montana hospitals for medical care. One individual remained hospitalized in serious condition as of 3 p.m., July 27.
DPHHS urged anyone who planned to forage, purchase, or eat wild mushrooms to follow safety practices, such as ensuring proper identification of mushrooms, inspect the quality of the mushroom for dryness and firmness, practice safe storage and to cook thoroughly before eating a mushroom.
Additional information and resources on mushroom identification, safe handling and the toxicity of wild mushrooms can be found at the DPHSS public health morel mushrooms website. The Montana State University also has a website with more information on identifying and collecting mushrooms.