One Dead, 20 Hospitalized in Urgent California Mushroom Poisoning

UPDATE: One person has died and 20 others have been hospitalized following a serious outbreak of mushroom poisoning in California. Officials from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) have confirmed that the victims include both adults and children, with several requiring intensive care and at least one potentially needing a liver transplant.

In a statement released on Friday, state health officials warned of an outbreak of potentially deadly amatoxin poisoning linked to the consumption of toxic wild mushrooms, specifically the Death Cap. “Confirmed cases have resulted in severe liver damage, including one adult fatality,” the release stated, indicating the urgent need for public awareness.

The affected individuals consumed foraged Death Cap mushrooms, which are commonly found near oaks and hardwood trees, particularly during the fall and winter months. These mushrooms can easily be mistaken for edible varieties due to their similar appearance and taste, but they are lethal. Importantly, no cooking method—such as boiling, drying, or freezing—will render them safe for consumption.

Dr. Erica Pan, the CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, emphasized the danger, stating, “Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure. We advise the public not to forage for wild mushrooms at all during this high-risk season.”

Officials have reported that the number of fatalities and hospitalizations reflects only those documented by the California Poison Control System between mid-November and December 5. They noted “significant clusters” of cases in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas, but the risk is statewide and ongoing.

Symptoms of mushroom poisoning typically manifest between six and 24 hours after ingestion and may include nausea, watery diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and dehydration. Alarmingly, even if symptoms subside briefly, lethal liver damage can still occur within 48 to 96 hours after consumption.

As this crisis unfolds, health officials are closely monitoring hospitalizations related to toxic mushrooms. Doctors have been instructed to contact the CPCS at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

In light of these alarming developments, CDPH strongly urges the public to refrain from foraging wild mushrooms and to consume only those purchased from reputable stores or known commercial sources. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated; the health risks associated with consuming toxic mushrooms are grave and immediate.

Stay informed as we continue to follow this developing story. Share this information to help spread awareness and protect others from potential harm.