A potentially deadly type of mushroom has been found growing in Western Australia for the first time, prompting a warning for people not to eat it.
The Health Department says people should not eat wild mushrooms from the South West and Great Southern regions, following the discovery of the toxic Marbled Death Cap mushroom in Denmark.
Deputy chief health officer Andrew Robertson says mortality rates are about 50 per cent, and in some cases, death can occur within 48 hours.
"After initial consumption, gastro-intestinal symptoms normally develop within six to 24 hours, progressing to liver injury, bleeding, kidney damage and multiple organ failure," he said.
The Marbled Death Cap is a large mushroom with a marbled white, greenish or brown cap.
The gills are white and the base of the stem is surrounded by a cup-shaped sac.
"Anyone who becomes ill after eating mushrooms and has symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain or diarrhoea should seek urgent medical advice, and if possible, bring samples of the whole mushroom for identification," Dr Robertson said.
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