California Officials Warn Against Wild Mushroom Foraging Amid Poisoning Outbreak
Summary:
California health officials are issuing urgent warnings against foraging for wild mushrooms following an outbreak of amatoxin poisoning linked to death cap mushrooms. The toxic mushrooms, often mistaken for edible varieties, have caused severe liver damage in multiple patients, including children, and led to one fatality. Wet weather has fueled the growth of these dangerous fungi, prompting experts to advise against all wild mushroom consumption during this high-risk season. The state’s poison control system has already logged hundreds of cases this year, underscoring the pervasive danger.
What This Means for You:
- Avoid foraging for wild mushrooms entirely, especially during wet seasons when toxic species like death cap mushrooms thrive.
- Educate children about the dangers of picking and consuming unknown mushrooms while playing outdoors.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect mushroom poisoning, even if initial symptoms subside, as severe liver damage can develop later.
- Stay informed about local health advisories and toxic mushroom identification resources to protect yourself and your family.
Original Post:
California officials are warning foragers after an outbreak of poisoning linked to wild mushrooms that has killed one adult and caused severe liver damage in several patients, including children.
The state poison control system has identified 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning, likely caused by death cap mushrooms, the health department said Friday. The toxic wild mushrooms are often mistaken for edible ones because of their appearance and taste.
“Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure,” Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, said in a statement. “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 adult has died and several patients have required intensive care, including at least one who might need a liver transplant.
Wet weather fuels the growth of death cap mushrooms, and officials warn against any wild mushroom foraging to avoid confusion. Residents in central California’s Monterey County became ill after eating mushrooms found in a local park, according to county health officials. Another cluster of cases were in the San Francisco Bay Area, but state health officials warned that the risk is everywhere.
There were more than 4,500 cases of exposure to unidentified mushrooms logged at America’s Poison Centers in 2023, according to their National Poison Data System annual report. Roughly half were in young children, who experts warn may pick and eat a mushroom while playing outside.
California’s poison control system sees hundreds of cases of wild mushroom poisonings each year. The death cap mushroom and the “destroying angel” mushroom look and taste similar to edible mushrooms, so experts warn that a mushroom’s color is not a reliable way of detecting its toxicity. And whether it is eaten raw or cooked does not matter.
People can have stomach cramping, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting within 24 hours after ingesting a toxic mushroom. Though gastrointestinal symptoms may improve, health officials warn that patients can still develop serious complications, including liver damage, that surface later.
People looking for guidance on diagnosing or treating mushroom poisoning can contact the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Extra Information:
For more information on toxic mushroom identification and safety, visit America’s Poison Centers or check the California Department of Public Health for updates on local health advisories.
People Also Ask About:
- What are the symptoms of death cap mushroom poisoning? Symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting within 24 hours, with potential liver damage developing later.
- Can cooking toxic mushrooms make them safe? No, cooking does not neutralize the toxins in mushrooms like death caps.
- How can I identify death cap mushrooms? Identification is difficult without expert knowledge, as they resemble edible species. Avoid foraging altogether.
- What should I do if I suspect mushroom poisoning? Contact the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 immediately and seek medical attention.
Expert Opinion:
Dr. Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, emphasizes that the dangers of wild mushroom foraging cannot be overstated. “Even experienced foragers can mistake toxic mushrooms for edible ones, leading to potentially fatal consequences. The safest course of action is to avoid foraging entirely, especially during high-risk periods.”
Key Terms:
- death cap mushroom poisoning
- amatoxin poisoning symptoms
- wild mushroom foraging dangers
- toxic mushroom identification
- California mushroom poisoning outbreak
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