More people are hospitalized as a result of this outbreak.
As of May 3, 2023, a total of 30 people had fallen ill after dining at Dave’s Sushi in Bozeman, Montana, and two of them had passed away.
Morel mushrooms are thought to be a possible source of infections, despite the fact that a specific cause has not yet been found. It is urged that anyone who ate at the restaurant between late March and mid-April get in touch with a physician and public health officials. Those impacted had vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
The majority of sick people experienced symptoms between 30 minutes and 4 hours after dining at the restaurant. Three of the 30 documented individuals have had to be hospitalized.
Officials in Montana claim that a restaurant in Bozeman is the source of the outbreak, which the Food and Drug Administration believes has spread to 11 more people as of May 10. The Gallatin City-County Health Department has confirmed that no known sick patients have been reported from beyond Montana, despite the fact that a California distributor allegedly delivered the suspected morel mushrooms to multiple states. As 11 more cases have been located, there are a total of 41 sick persons.
What consumers can do?
If mushrooms or any other food items are contaminated with hazardous bacteria, viruses, or toxins, foodborne illness outbreaks may happen. It is crucial to maintain proper food handling, preparation, and storage in order to stop these outbreaks. It is advised to practice excellent hygiene, wash and cook mushrooms thoroughly, and get them from reputable vendors.
If consumed in large enough doses, the naturally occurring toxin hydrazine found in morel mushrooms can induce gastrointestinal problems. To safely consume morels, it is important to cook them thoroughly, as cooking destroys the toxin. Eating raw or undercooked morel mushrooms can be risky, so it is advisable to ensure they are properly cooked before consumption.
It is important to note that the severity and specific symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the amount of hydrazine ingested. If you experience any adverse effects after consuming morel mushrooms or suspect hydrazine toxicity, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.