Death Cap Mushroom Surge Triggers Health Warnings Across NSW, SA

Health officials in New South Wales and South Australia have issued warnings about the spread of highly poisonous death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) in densely populated areas including Sydney, the Southern Highlands, and southern NSW. These mushrooms, which can be fatal even in small amounts, have been increasingly detected following favorable wet weather, prompting concerns over public safety, especially for children who are at higher risk. Experts emphasize that death caps are difficult to distinguish from edible varieties and that cooking does not neutralize their toxicity, urging people to avoid foraging and only consume mushrooms from trusted sources. Hospitalizations due to mushroom poisoning rose significantly in 2024, with 23 cases including young children, and calls to the NSW Poisons Information Centre about mushroom exposure have increased by 26% compared to the previous year. Authorities advise immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected and recommend parents to supervise children closely and remove wild mushrooms from yards. Surveillance efforts have been ongoing for two years, and officials caution the public against consuming any wild mushrooms due to the severe health risks involved.