As many as 89 cases of mushroom poisoning involving 137 people, including 17 children, have been recorded so far this year. In most of the cases, the people consumed home-cooked mushrooms, which they picked in their own gardens or in forests, or bought from vendors on the side of the roads, IPN reports.

Mushroom poisoning is a medical emergency and the speed in making the correct diagnosis and administering the correct treatment can save the person’s life, warns the National Food Safety Agency. The sooner the symptoms appear after eating mushrooms, the more serious the intoxication is. “In about two hours after eating mushrooms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating can be experienced. After six hours, the patient can complain about headache, dizziness and worse vomiting. After 72 hours, severe liver complications and kidney failure can occur, which can lead to death. There are some mushrooms that become toxic when they are eaten in combination with alcohol.”

Children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases are especially at risk of poisoning. Some edible mushroom species can be easily confused with poisonous mushrooms. People who do not have enough knowledge to make a difference should avoid picking them and opt for specially grown mushrooms sold in authorized places.

On the appearance of the first symptoms of mushroom poisoning, the people should immediately call the emergency number 112. Until the medical team arrives, they must drink as much water at room temperature as possible (2-3 liters). Hot or salty water is not good. It is also recommended to provoke vomiting.

The National Mushroom Poisoning Prevention Week takes place during October 7-13 under the theme “Choose mushrooms responsibly. Avoid poisoning”. Specialists will tell about the importance of responsibly choosing mushrooms for eating, measures to prevent poisoning and to give first aid in case of poisoning.