Politics on the Hudson

The state Health Department is warning New Yorkers not to eat wild mushrooms following the death of a Westchester County resident from eating toxic wild mushrooms earlier this month.

Two Rensselaer County residents were also hospitalized with severe illness this month after eating wild mushrooms, the health department says.

“Eating wild mushrooms without knowing if they are safe can have serious consequences,” said Edward Horn, director of Environmental Health Assessment for the state Health Department.

“Several mushrooms that grow in the Northeast contain toxins and are potentially fatal if eaten. Don’t eat wild mushrooms unless you know from a very reliable source that it is edible.”

Wild mushrooms grow in many areas of the state and multiply in wet weather conditions. The person who died and the two residents who were hospitalized all ate highly toxic wild mushrooms called Amanita bisporigera, also known as “Death or Destroying Angel.” The two hospitalized Rensselaer County residents have since been released, according to health officials.

If you suspect accidental mushroom poisoning, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 and seek medical attention, the health department says.