Victorians are being urged to exercise extreme caution this autumn as deadly mushrooms, including death cap and yellow-staining varieties, begin to appear with the colder and wetter weather.
Chief Health Officer Dr. Christian McGrath has warned the public to avoid touching or consuming wild mushrooms found in gardens or public areas, as some species can be fatal.
He emphasized that children and pets should be kept away from wild mushrooms, and any found should be carefully removed using gloves, sealed in a bag, and disposed of in a closed general waste bin.
“Unless you are an expert, do not pick and eat wild mushrooms,” Dr. McGrath stressed, adding that the death cap mushroom can cause fatal poisoning.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Anyone experiencing symptoms or concerned about exposure should call the Victorian Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738, and seek immediate medical attention.
