California officials are warning foragers after an outbreak of poisoning linked to wild mushrooms that killed one adult and caused severe liver damage in several patients, including children.
The Department of Health said Friday that the state poison control system has identified 21 cases of amanitaxin poisoning, likely caused by the death-cap mushroom. Due to their appearance and taste, poisonous wild mushrooms are often mistaken for edible mushrooms.
“Death cap mushrooms contain potentially fatal toxins that can cause liver failure,” Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, said in a statement. “Because death cap mushrooms can easily be mistaken for edible, safe mushrooms, we recommend that the public refrain from picking wild mushrooms during this high-risk season.”
One adult died and several patients required intensive care, including at least one who may need a liver transplant.
Officials advise against picking wild mushrooms
Wet weather has encouraged the growth of death cap mushrooms, and officials are warning against eating any wild mushrooms to avoid causing a mess. Residents of Monterey County in central California fell ill after eating mushrooms found in a local park, according to county health officials. Another cluster of cases is in the San Francisco Bay Area, but state health officials warn the risk is everywhere.
U.S. poison centers recorded more than 4,500 cases of exposure to unknown mushrooms in 2023, according to the National Poison Data System annual report. About half are young children, who experts warn may be picking and eating mushrooms while playing outside.
Hundreds of wild mushroom poisonings occur every year in California’s poison control system. Death cap and “destroying angel” mushrooms look and taste similar to edible mushrooms, so experts warn that the color of a mushroom is not a reliable way to detect its toxicity. And it doesn’t matter whether you eat it raw or cooked.
Symptom improvement is not entirely clear
People may experience stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting within 24 hours after ingesting poisonous mushrooms. Although gastrointestinal symptoms may improve, health officials warn that patients may still develop serious complications, including liver damage that may occur later.
People seeking guidance in diagnosing or treating mushroom poisoning can call the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
