Foraging for mushrooms can be a dangerous habit.
In recent weeks, 21 cases of toxic poisoning from wild, foraged mushrooms – likely from the ominously named death cap mushroom – have been reported in California. So far, one of those cases has resulted in an adult death, according to the California Department of Public Health.
“An outbreak of serious illness associated with eating foraged wild mushrooms has been reported. CDPH is urging individuals to avoid foraging for and eating wild mushrooms while risk of amatoxin poisoning is high,” said the health department.
Reports began in mid-November and are up-to-date through Dec. 5. In addition to the death, several patients have required intensive care due to toxic mushroom poisoning. While many of the cases have been clustered in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay areas, the CDPH said there is a state-wide risk. The California Poison Control System is monitoring the cases.
“The County of Monterey Health Department is reminding Monterey County residents to exercise caution when gathering and eating wild mushrooms,” said a Dec. 1 notice. “Local hospitals have recently reported an increase in illnesses resulting from eating poisonous wild mushrooms.”
County of Monterey Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno also explained that it can be difficult to tell poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms apart.
“Only people with extensive training and experience should eat wild mushrooms that they have picked themselves,” he said.
A case Audacy reported on in December 2023 illustrates the danger of mushrooms. It concerned morels, a sought-after mushroom in the culinary world, sold at a Montana sushi restaurant. At least 51 people became ill and two died after eating the mushrooms.
As for the recent cases in California, the state health department said they have resulted in severe liver damage in both pediatric and adult patients with one case that might potentially require a liver transplant. Pe the CDPH, death caps, also known as Amanita phalloides, could be the cause.
“Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure,” CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan explained. Even after cooking, boiling, drying, or freezing the mushrooms are still not safe to eat.
According to the Bay Area Mycological Society, death caps are “strikingly beautiful,” and also the “number one cause of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide.” It said they are originally from Europe and arrived in Central California in 1938. They are now found throughout the state (and the world).
“While death cap mushroom poisonings are hard to track, some scientists estimate that they cause about 10,000 illnesses and 100 deaths around the world each year,” said NPR.
Other common poisonous wild mushrooms include the varieties Amanita ocreata known as Death Angel, Amanita muscaria known as Fly Amanita, according to the County of Monterey. Pan added that her department advises “the public not to forage for wild mushrooms at all during this high-risk season.”
Rain events in fall and winter create ideal, shady, moist conditions for these mushrooms to grow, the CDPH said. They are often found near oaks and hardwood trees.
“Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for toxicity following wild mushroom ingestion,” said the health department. “Initial symptoms, such as watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration can occur within six to 24 hours following ingestion of these toxic mushrooms and usually go away within a day.”
It is important not to ignore the initial symptoms if they go away. Serious and potentially fatal liver damage can still develop within 48 to 96 hours after ingesting the mushrooms. Anyone who experiences symptoms after eating wild mushrooms should seek medical care and healthcare providers should contact the California Poison Control System at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance on diagnosing and treating patients with suspected mushroom poisoning.
These mushroom poisoning cases come just a few months after public health officials in Arizona warned people not to lick toxic toads following rains.