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Urgent Warning Issued: Foraged Mushrooms Causing Severe Poisonings Across California
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released an urgent advisory, strongly cautioning the public against consuming wild, foraged mushrooms due to a recent surge in amatoxin poisonings. As of Friday, the California Poison Control System has confirmed 21 cases of poisoning directly linked to eating these wild fungi, including the highly dangerous death cap mushroom.
Tragically, one individual has died, and several others, encompassing both children and adults, have sustained severe liver damage. At least one patient is reportedly in need of a liver transplant.
The CDPH indicates that these poisonings have been reported in clusters, primarily in the Monterey and Bay Area regions. However, the risk is considered statewide, as the recent fall and winter rains have created ideal conditions for the growth of death cap mushrooms throughout California.
Death cap mushrooms are commonly found near oak, pine, and other hardwood trees. They are particularly dangerous because they can be easily mistaken for safe, edible varieties. The CDPH emphasizes that no amount of cooking, boiling, drying, or freezing will eliminate their toxic properties.
Symptoms of amatoxin poisoning, which include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration, typically manifest between six and 24 hours after ingestion. While these initial symptoms may appear to subside after about a day, the CDPH warns that this recovery is “deceptive.” Patients can still develop serious to fatal liver damage within 48 to 96 hours of consumption.
“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,” stated Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer.
The CDPH strongly recommends that individuals purchase mushrooms only from reputable stores or known commercial sources to ensure their safety.