**California Health Officials Warn Against Foraging Wild Mushrooms After Deadly Poisoning Outbreak**
SAN FRANCISCO — California health officials are issuing a serious warning after a recent outbreak of wild mushroom poisoning has resulted in one adult death and several cases of severe liver damage, including among children.
According to the California Department of Public Health, the state’s poison control system has identified 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning, likely linked to the notorious death cap mushroom. These toxic mushrooms, which can resemble edible varieties in both appearance and taste, are responsible for potentially deadly illnesses.
> “Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure,” said Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health. “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.”
**One Fatality and Intensive Care Cases Reported**
In this latest outbreak, one adult has died and several others have required intensive medical care. At least one patient may need a liver transplant due to the severity of the poisoning.
Mushroom foraging has especially become risky due to recent wet weather, which fuels the growth of death cap mushrooms across the state. Officials are urging residents to avoid collecting mushrooms from the wild entirely, emphasizing that the risk is not limited to any one region.
**Outbreaks Reported Across California**
Residents in Monterey County fell ill after consuming mushrooms picked in a local park, and another cluster of poisoning cases has emerged in the San Francisco Bay Area. State health officials warn that the risk is widespread across California.
According to America’s Poison Centers, more than 4,500 cases of exposure to unidentified mushrooms were logged nationwide in 2023, with roughly half involving young children. Experts note that children may accidentally pick and eat mushrooms while playing outdoors.
California’s poison control system reports hundreds of cases of wild mushroom poisonings annually.
**Toxic Mushrooms Are Deceptive**
The death cap and “destroying angel” mushrooms are especially dangerous because they look and taste similar to edible varieties. Experts stress that mushroom color is not a reliable indicator of toxicity, and cooking does not destroy the dangerous toxins.
**Symptoms and Delayed Complications**
Toxic mushroom ingestion typically causes symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting within 24 hours. While these gastrointestinal symptoms may improve, serious health complications including liver damage can develop later, even after initial symptoms subside.
**If You Suspect Mushroom Poisoning**
Anyone seeking guidance on diagnosing or treating mushroom poisoning should immediately contact the poison control hotline at **1-800-222-1222**.
For your safety, officials strongly recommend **not foraging for wild mushrooms at all** during this high-risk season.
https://abc7news.com/post/california-warns-foraging-wild-mushrooms-deadly-poisoning-outbreak/18258135/
