What Are Death Cap Mushrooms That Have Sparked A Health Scare In New South Wales?

Do you like eating mushrooms? If yes, then this is the news you need to read. In a recent development, reports of ‘Death Cap Mushrooms’ spreading in Sydney and New South Wales have sparked health concerns. These wild mushrooms can prove to be deadly if consumed. Read on to know more about what they are. 

Death Cap Mushrooms Spread Across Sydney And NSW

As per a report in ABC News, ‘Death Cap Mushrooms’ have been spotted in Sydney, the Southern Highlands, and various parts of New South Wales, Australia. These wild mushrooms are highly toxic, and locals are being warned not to pick or eat them. NSW Health and local councils have raised concerns about the rapid spread of this dangerous fungus.

For those who don’t know, Death Cap Mushrooms, also called Amanita phalloides in scientific terms, can be deadly if consumed. The toxins in them remain even after cooking. Eating them can cause vomiting, nausea, and a drop in blood pressure, leading to serious complications. That’s why the current spread has raised concerns among the locals in NSW. Brett Summerell, Chief Scientist at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, stated that recent rainfall could be a key factor behind their rapid growth. He also said that people often head into the yards to pick mushrooms and mistakenly collect these toxic ones for their meals.

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These Wild Mushrooms Can Be Fatal

According to ABC News, 23 people were hospitalised last year after consuming wild mushrooms, two of them were children under the age of five. The NSW Poisons Information Centre received 363 calls related to mushroom exposure in 2024. This year, in 2025, there have already been 190 such calls. But what exactly happens if someone eats a Death Cap Mushroom? Genevieve Adamo, a senior specialist at the NSW Poisons Information Centre, warned that these mushrooms can be fatal. Apart from vomiting and diarrhoea, they may also cause liver and kidney failure, and in some cases, death.

Dr Summerell also cautioned people against picking mushrooms from gardens or parks. He explained that it’s extremely difficult to tell the difference between edible mushrooms and Death Cap mushrooms. He advised people to buy mushrooms from local and trusted stores instead of getting them from the backyard. 

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So, what do you think of this recent news? Like Dr Summerell, we also believe it’s wiser to avoid mushrooms growing in parks and stick to the ones bought from trusted stores. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/ Dave Clarke (Representative Image)