Crisis Mode Declared at Kiruna Hospital Following Mushroom Poisoning Incident
Kiruna hospital faced a crisis as several foreign tourists were treated for suspected mushroom poisoning.
Key Points
- • Crisis mode activated at Kiruna hospital due to mushroom poisoning cases.
- • Eight foreign tourists hospitalized with symptoms related to toxic mushrooms.
- • Experts warn of dangers associated with foraging, particularly for non-locals.
- • Public awareness campaigns initiated to educate on poisonous mushroom risks.
On August 26, 2025, Kiruna hospital declared a crisis situation after several foreign tourists were admitted for suspected mushroom poisoning. The hospital's emergency department activated its crisis management protocols upon receiving reports of multiple patients showing symptoms consistent with toxic mushroom ingestion. Helena Fredriksson Ågren, the head of emergency departments for Kiruna and Gällivare, noted that while the situation is serious, it concerns a limited group of individuals, and there is no current risk to the general public.
In total, eight patients were hospitalized, all of whom were tourists, and the exact type of mushroom consumed remains unidentified. The Swedish Poison Information Centre has highlighted several dangerous mushrooms, including the notorious Amanita virosa and Amanita phalloides, known for causing severe health complications, such as liver damage.
Peter Hultén, a mushroom expert, observed that non-Swedish individuals often represent a significant portion of mushroom poisoning cases in the country. This incident arrives on the heels of the organization warning about mushroom foraging safety as the fall season approaches, historically associated with an increase in such poisonings.
The hospital returned to normal operations within a few hours after the crisis mode was activated, emphasizing efficient resource allocation and patient care during the emergency. Giftinformationscentralen has also made efforts to educate the public, releasing safety information in 34 languages to raise awareness about the risks of poisonous mushrooms.