Vit Flugsvamp (Swedish text on print)

The destroying angel, Amanita virosa, is the mushroom that kills more people than and other mushroom in the Nordic countries. It contains amatoxins, the same type of toxin found in the deathcap, and is one of the most toxic mushrooms in Sweden. The toxin can cause severe liver damage and death if accidentally ingested.

Symptoms begin with watery diarrhea, often not until 12-24 hours after ingestion. By that time it is too late to pump the stomach. After 2-3 days, the liver starts breaking down and the toxin spreads to the rest of the body, which can lead to multi-organ failure and death.

The destroying angel may be confused with edible horse mushrooms, or with other edible mushrooms of the genus Agaricus, which may be found throughout Sweden.

If poisoning by the destroying angel is suspected, immediate hospitalization is required. Rapid treatment can slow the progress, but the poison can still lead to death. In severe cases, a liver transplantation may be needed.