Idaho Officials Identify Deadly ‘Death Cap’ Mushrooms in Boise
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is warning that the first case of poisonous mushrooms that can be deadly to dogs and humans has been found in a Boise neighborhood. In a release, the department confirmed the death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides). They hope to get his information into the hands of as many Idahoans as possible.
Death Cap Mushrooms from all Angles
The deadly mushrooms were spotted in a Boise neighborhood by an amateur mycologist. Once notified, the authorities tested the DNA of the mushrooms confirming that they were the poisonous death cap mushrooms. Health officials warn there could be many other deadly mushrooms that haven't been detected.
The Department of Health and Welfare spells out what to look for if you see a suspicious mushroom:
"Death cap mushrooms are highly poisonous and cause most deadly mushroom poisonings worldwide. They can look like edible mushrooms (such as paddy-straw mushrooms or puffballs), but eating as little as half a mushroom cap can kill an adult. A small portion can kill a dog. Cooking does not make the death cap mushroom safe to eat.
Early symptoms of death cap mushroom poisoning are persistent and violent vomiting, abdominal pain, and profuse, watery diarrhea 6 to 24 hours after eating the mushroom. These symptoms generally last a few hours, after which there is an apparent recovery with no symptoms for a few days. Then jaundice, loss of strength, coma, and death can occur from liver failure and kidney failure."
Health and Welfare officials advise, 'when in doubt, throw it out.'
What Do You Do If You Believe You Consumed a death cap mushroom?
Health officials say that if you or your child has eaten a wild mushroom you should call the poison control center right away. The number is 800-222-1222, call your doctor/healthcare provider and/or go to the emergency room.
If you believe your pet has eaten the mushrooms call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at 888-426-4435 or your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic.
What do they look like? Where do they grow?
Idaho Health and Welfare say the death cap mushrooms near imported trees, gardens, and other urban areas. They say that over time the poisonous mushrooms can grow in wild areas. They usually grow from late summer to December in other areas. Health and Welfare say they do not know what type of season they will have in Idaho.
How do you properly dispose of death cap mushrooms?
Officials caution that you do not run over the mushrooms in your yard. If you see mushrooms, they say to wear gloves and pull them up by the stalk. Once you have removed the death cap mushroom put it in the garbage and not a wood chipper or compost. Health and Welfare then say to wash your hands and all your equipment.
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