State public health warns public about deadly mushroom poisoning outbreak
Death cap mushrooms.
One adult fatality has been reported
– The California Department of Public Health issued an advisory after an outbreak of amatoxin poisoning connected to eating wild, foraged mushrooms. Confirmed cases include severe liver damage in pediatric and adult patients and one adult fatality. As of Dec. 5, 21 cases have been identified by the California Poison Control System, with clusters in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay areas. Officials reported that there is a risk statewide.
“Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure,” said Dr. Erica Pan, California Department of Public Health director and state public health officer. “Because the death cap can easily be mistaken for edible safe mushrooms, we advise the public not to forage for wild mushrooms at all during this high-risk season.”
The department stated that toxic mushrooms, including the death cap (Amanita phalloides), resemble edible species and can cause severe poisoning. Cooking, boiling, drying, or freezing the mushrooms does not make them safe to eat.
Health care providers are advised to monitor for potential toxicity after wild mushroom ingestion. Symptoms such as watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration can occur within 6 to 24 hours and may subside within a day. Officials said this temporary improvement can be misleading, as patients may still develop serious to fatal liver damage within 48 to 96 hours after eating the mushrooms. Providers are advised to call the California Poison Control System at (800) 222-1222 for guidance on diagnosing and treating suspected mushroom poisoning.
Between mid-November and early December, the California Poison Control System identified 21 cases of toxic mushroom poisoning, likely from death cap mushrooms. Several patients have required intensive care, and at least one may need a liver transplant. One adult fatality has been reported. The system is monitoring an increase in calls related to hospitalizations of individuals who consumed toxic foraged mushrooms and is providing guidance to treating providers.
Death cap mushrooms grow in many parts of California, especially near oaks and other hardwood trees, including pine trees. Fall and winter rain events create conditions that support their growth. The California Department of Public Health advises the public to avoid foraging wild mushrooms and to consume only mushrooms purchased from reputable stores or known commercial sources.
For more information, individuals may contact the California Poison Control System or visit the California Department of Public Health website.
