Deathcap (English text on print)

Deathcap, Amanita phalloides, is the fungus that kills the most people in mainland Europe. It contains amatoxins, the same type of toxin found in the destroying angel, and is one of the most toxic mushrooms in Sweden. The toxin can cause severe liver damage and death if accidentally ingested.

Symptoms usually begin with a watery diarrhea 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.

Deathcap may be confused with edible green russulas, which are common throughout Sweden. Several fatal accidents have also occurred when deathcap has been confused with the edible straw mushroom, which has never been found in Sweden, but is widely cultivated abroad. Mushroom knowledge should always be considered to be local knowledge.

If poisoning is suspected, immediate hospital treatment 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.