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Incident with toxic mushrooms in Pennsylvania highlights need for caution

The fire department informed Fox News Digital that a Pennsylvania family of 11 who accidentally ate toxic mushrooms will fully recover after being hospitalized.

According to the Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Co., a family member found wild mushrooms in the woods and brought them home for dinner, causing all family members to become sick.

The Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Co. serves the communities of Delta, Pennsylvania, and Cardiff, Maryland.

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All family members were taken to the hospital and released within 12 hours. The family is Amish and may not have had the information needed to identify safe mushrooms to eat.

Emergency services were called after a family of 11 was sickened by mushrooms. The family will make a full recovery, the Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Co. told Fox News Digital. (Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Co.)

The specific type of mushroom the family consumed remains unidentified.

In an Oct. 11 Facebook post, the Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Co. described the incident as a “mass casualty incident” where 11 people had ingested toxic mushrooms.

A representative emphasized the importance of being cautious and conducting proper research before eating foraged mushrooms.

Amish family walking in traditional Amish garb. Their faces are not shown.

The Amish family that grew ill after eating wild mushrooms (not pictured) may not have been able to confirm whether or not they were eating safe mushrooms, a representative from the Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Co. told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

It’s fortunate that the incident did not result in any fatalities, and all family members, including adults and children, are expected to fully recover.

The website for the National Capital Poison Center advises against consuming wild mushrooms unless verified by an expert in mushroom identification.

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The website warns that without experience in mushroom identification, it’s nearly impossible to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms.

There are many mushroom look-alikes, and toxic mushrooms can often be mistaken for edible ones.

A mushroom known as the "death cap"

Edible mushrooms have “look-alikes” that are potentially deadly, the National Capital Poison Center said. (iStock)

According to the National Capital Poison Center, almost all individuals who contact Poison Control after consuming a poisonous mushroom believed it was safe to eat.

Consumption of wild mushrooms can result in various symptoms depending on the species ingested.

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Many wild mushrooms can cause vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration and emergency room visits. Some mushrooms can interact with alcohol and cause severe stomach issues, headaches, and high blood pressure, while others may induce hallucinations and coma.

Split image with ambulances on one side and a mushroom on another.

The incident serves as a reminder to be cautious before consuming foraged mushrooms. (Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company; iStock)

Certain mushrooms can cause severe liver damage, potentially requiring a liver transplant.

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The National Capital Poison Center cautions that mushroom identification is a skill that requires caution and expertise to prevent incidents like the one experienced by the Pennsylvania family.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

Anyone who suspects they have consumed a toxic mushroom should seek immediate medical attention.

Christine Rousselle is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.

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