Amanita phalloides is colloquially known as the “Death Cap” mushroom. This is not without cause. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of worldwide mushroom poisonings can be attributed to the amatoxins present in Amanita. The majority of Amanita poisonings are the result of misidentification by the forager/cook. Do not ingest any mushroom that has not been identified as safe by a professional. If you suspect poisoning, call your local emergency number (911 in the U.S.) or contact your local poison control center. The American Association of Poison Control Centers (800-222-1222) can direct you to a local center

Selected case studies on Amanita phalloides poisoning.

Vo, Kathy T. et al. 2017.  Amanita phalloides mushroom poisonings — northern California, December 2016. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 66:549-553.

Chan, Adam. 2019. Mushroom poisonings on the rise in 2019: BCCDC. CTV News.

Food Safety News. 2019. Wild mushroom warning in Australia after poisoning cases. 

Keller, S.A. et al. 2018. Mushroom poisoning—A 17 year retrospective study at a level I university emergency department in Switzerland. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 15: 2855.