DPHHS Urges Public to Use Caution When Consuming Morel Mushrooms

Spring in Montana is a popular time to forage for morel mushrooms, a type of mushroom that is often considered a delicacy by restaurants and the public. However, morels can cause human illness if the proper identification, storage, and preparation steps are not taken.

An outbreak of gastrointestinal (GI) illness occurred in Montana in the spring of 2023, when 51 people got sick after eating raw or only partially cooked morels at a restaurant.

Three hospitalizations and two deaths were associated with this outbreak. Those who became ill experienced symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, and stoma...