Morris Woman Poisoned, Hospitalized After Ingesting Wild Mushrooms

A Morris County Woman was hospitalized and treated after ingesting five wild mushrooms from her backyard, New Jersey Poison Control announced.

The woman, who was unidentified, is 59, and said she had ingested the handful of mushrooms from her own property in Morristown, the organization said.

She called the Poison Control for help when she developed symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and was told to go to the emergency room immediately, the statement said.

The signs she exhibited were that of mushroom toxicity, which is life-threatening, the release stated. At the hospital a team of physicians and a toxicologist began treating the woman for mushroom poisoning, including an experimental therapy to prevent liver failure and death, the release said.

According to dailyrecord.com, the woman did not initially respond well to the medication but ended up making a full recovery, and was discharged Thursday night.

‘There is no way a lay person can tell the difference between poisonous and harmless mushrooms. Even experienced mushroom pickers can be fooled at times, so this warning needs to be taken seriously “do not eat wild mushrooms growing on your lawns or in the wild!” To make matters worse, poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms can grow side by side, making for the “perfect storm,” the organization said.

New Jersey Poison Experts can be reached at 800-222-1222.