11 People Sickened By Mushrooms

Eleven people in Pennsylvania were hospitalized after eating toxic mushrooms, raising alarm about the potential danger of foraging.

At a Glance

Eleven Amish family members were hospitalized after consuming toxic mushrooms in Peach Bottom Township, Pennsylvania.
The incident was deemed a “mass casualty” event due to the number of individuals affected.
Authorities emphasize the risks of eating wild mushrooms, urging caution.
The family members were treated and have all been released from the hospital.
Mushroom poisoning cases are on the rise, highlighting the need for heightened awareness.

Mass Casualty Incident in Pennsylvania

In Peach Bottom Township, Pennsylvania, an Amish family was hospitalized after consuming toxic wild mushrooms. The group included a man, woman, and nine children, all of whom required medical attention. The incident, occurring approximately 85 miles southwest of Philadelphia in York County, was classified as a “mass casualty” incident due to the significant number of individuals impacted.

Emergency response teams from York, Lancaster, and Harford Counties rushed to aid the family after a member walked a considerable distance to a phone booth to call for help, adhering to their traditional lifestyle. All patients were treated and released, but the event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of foraging without expertise.

11 people hospitalized after eating toxic mushrooms in Pennsylvania https://t.co/GjnGVogHSM

— NBC DFW (@NBCDFW) October 14, 2024

Dangers of Consuming Wild Mushrooms

The troubling rise in mushroom poisonings underlines the serious risk that foraging poses to those unfamiliar with edible varieties. According to America’s Poison Centers, toxic mushrooms often resemble their non-toxic counterparts, and cooking fails to neutralize their harmful effects. Symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea can surface within half an hour or be delayed for hours, sometimes leading to severe or fatal outcomes.

The possibility of confusion between poisonous and safe mushrooms has been on experts’ radar for some time. Dr. Robert Bassett has expressed his concern in the past about the ease of mistaking dangerous mushrooms for edible ones, saying in 2022, “If you develop any symptoms, any physical symptoms after consuming mushrooms, I would seek medical attention immediately.”

Rising Incidents and Recommendations

Mushroom poisoning reports have surged, with nearly double the cases from 2019 to 2022 and an 11% rise in related calls throughout most of 2023. You can contact Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate guidance if poisoning is suspected. In this instance, identifying the exact mushroom species proved challenging, heightening concerns.

Foraging in the wild necessitates responsible practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) particularly advocates for consulting experienced mycologists before consuming any wild mushrooms to prevent bad outcomes.