Much more mushroom poisoning reported

Mushroom poisoning has increased

09/03/2014

Not only the number of mushroom pickers, but also the number of heavy mushroom poisonings in Germany has risen again. For example, over forty percent more cases had to be treated in the hospital last year. Patients are advised to contact an emergency physician or poison emergency immediately if symptoms occur.

Most mushroom poisoning in Bavaria
Last year, the number of severe mushroom poisoning in Germany increased again. According to the health insurance DAK 2013 a total of 34 cases were treated in hospital. That was around 41 percent more than in the previous year. „The most serious poisoning has again occurred in Bavaria“ writes the cash register in her press release. But despite the top spot, the number of cases in the Free State decreased by four to nine compared to 2012. Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia, however, have followed suit.

Concern about radioactive contamination is slowly disappearing
According to DAK doctor Elisabeth Thomas, more people are looking for chanterelles, chestnuts or mushrooms. She explained: „Especially in southern Germany, many people were afraid for a long time that fungi could be radioactively contaminated - an after-effect of the Chernobyl disaster.“ Even if this concern is slowly disappearing, it should not be forgotten that 28 years after the meltdown in the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in this country is still warned against radioactive contaminated food. This was the case recently when wild boar meat contaminated with cesium was reported in Thuringia.

Many mushrooms have poisonous doppelgangers
As Thomas warned, determination books or forums on the Internet are not enough to determine fungi safely. „Very many mushrooms have poisonous doppelgangers“, explained the expert. For example, the delicious mushroom looks deceptively similar to the deadly poisonous tuberous mushroom. „I can only advise inexperienced collectors to be very careful.“ Peter Karasch, member of the board of the German Society of Mycology (DGfM) also criticized the „Doctors newspaper“: „Although interest is increasing, knowledge is at a low level.“

If symptoms occur contact the emergency doctor or poison emergency call
Anyone who suffers from complaints such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting or severe abdominal pain after eating a mushroom meal should immediately call the emergency doctor (112) or contact the poison emergency department in his state. Medicines should never be taken on their own. Thomas advises: „drink a lot of water.“ The doctor further explained: „If the person becomes unconscious, bring him to the stable side position.“ In addition, it is recommended to take mushroom leftovers for treatment. (Ad)