HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Honolulu emergency workers are warning the public about the dangers of consuming wild and hallucinogenic mushrooms.
The public messaging comes after a spate of 911 calls relating to mushroom ingestion — nearly a dozen in less than two months.
In April, for example, a hiker who was hallucinating needed assistance in the Makapuu area.
Then last month, a hiker had to be airlifted out in Hauula. Other hikers with the patient were able to walk out on their own.
There have also been other calls for people sickened after ingesting mushrooms.
“Almost like a food poisoning,” said Jim Ireland, director of Honolulu Emergency Services Department, who said others are fearful while suffering from severe hallucinations.
Prior to the recent cases, it’s been years since some doctors and emergency workers have treated anyone suffering from mushroom ingestion.
Gary Yabuta, of Hawaii’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, said an ER doctor reported a case in late May where a patient had severe nausea and vomiting from eating mushrooms.
“This was a flashback for him because he was treating patients for the similar type of symptoms back in the 70s, and the 80s,” Yabuta said.
Days of heavy rain in May resulted in wild mushrooms growing and it’s possible people are tempted to try them, but experts warn against it.
Yabuta said people need to be careful because certain varieties are deadly.
Ireland added, “Some mushrooms don’t give you the psychedelic effects but they’re actually very, very poisonous and can cause you to need a liver transplant or even be fatal.”
“They call those the death caps.”
The problem isn’t just being seen in Hawaii. Rescue workers elsewhere have also reported a recent increase in 911 calls for patients sickened after ingesting mushrooms.
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First responders report spike in 911 calls linked to hallucinogenic mushrooms – Hawaii News Now
