Two die of liver failure after eating poisonous mushrooms in Libya

Two people in the Libyan city of Al Bayda have died of acute liver failure after consuming wild poisonous mushrooms, while Al Bayda Medical Center has treated 31 cases of poisoning, including children, amid a medical emergency to care for the affected, according to the Ministry of Health in the government appointed by the House of Representatives and led by Osama Hamad, on Saturday.

The ministry said the two deaths were recorded by Saturday afternoon after the patients' conditions deteriorated rapidly, preventing their transfer for treatment outside the city. Meanwhile, Al Bayda Medical Center announced that 18 patients have recovered and been discharged, while 13 remain under close medical supervision, including seven children and six adults.

The ministry has also begun the urgent medical evacuation of four patients from the center to Benghazi for further treatment and specialized care, based on thorough medical assessments.

As part of its warnings about the dangers of toxic mushrooms, the Ministry of Health explained that some wild mushroom species contain highly toxic compounds that can cause severe damage to vital organs, especially the liver and kidneys, with complications that may lead to acute liver failure and death.

The ministry identified Amanita phalloides as one of the most dangerous species containing amatoxins, which target and destroy liver cells, and also warned against various types of Scleroderma and Omphalotus olearius mushrooms, as well as other species with different toxic properties.

The ministry also described the characteristics of the locally known "wheat mushroom," belonging to the Agaricus genus, noting its relatively short stem and pink gills in early growth stages, which gradually turn dark brown as it matures.

The ministry cautioned against relying on color, shape, smell, or stem length to determine mushroom safety, stressing that popular tests and beliefs are unreliable for judging toxicity. It added that animal or insect consumption does not guarantee safety for humans, and color changes when cut or scratched are not trustworthy indicators.

The ministry advised against collecting mushrooms from areas near roads, pollution sources, waste, or land treated with pesticides and chemicals, emphasizing that cooking, boiling, or drying does not remove toxins from poisonous species, and even small amounts can cause serious poisoning.

In cases of suspected ingestion, the ministry recommended immediately going to the nearest emergency department without waiting for symptoms to appear, avoiding induced vomiting or home remedies, and, if possible, keeping a sample or photo of the mushroom and informing medical staff of the time and estimated amount consumed to help identify the type of poisoning and provide appropriate care.