BREAKING: One person is dead and 20 others hospitalized after consuming toxic mushrooms in California. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued an urgent outbreak warning regarding the consumption of wild mushrooms, specifically the deadly Death Cap mushrooms.
This alarming incident, which has led to multiple patients requiring intensive care, including at least one facing a potential liver transplant, underscores the severe risks associated with foraging for wild mushrooms. Officials confirmed that the fatality involved an adult, with both children and adults among the hospitalized.
In a release issued on December 5, 2023, the CDPH stated, “Confirmed cases have resulted in severe liver damage in both pediatric and adult patients, including one adult fatality.” The warnings particularly highlight clusters of toxic mushroom cases in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay areas, but officials caution that the risk extends statewide, posing a serious threat to public health.
Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, emphasized that “Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure.” The CDPH strongly advises against foraging for wild mushrooms, especially during the high-risk season of fall and winter. These mushrooms can be easily mistaken for safe, edible varieties, making them particularly dangerous.
Symptoms of amatoxin poisoning typically manifest between six and 24 hours after ingestion, with initial signs including nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. Although some individuals may feel better temporarily, the risk of fatal liver damage remains for up to 96 hours post-consumption.
Officials are monitoring ongoing reports and hospitalizations linked to toxic mushrooms, urging anyone who suspects ingestion to contact the California Poison Control System at 1-800-222-1222.
The CDPH’s warning aims to protect the public, emphasizing the importance of consuming mushrooms obtained from reputable sources rather than attempting to forage. “Given the grave risk posed by consuming these toxic mushrooms, we advise the public to avoid foraging wild mushrooms altogether,” stated Dr. Pan.
As this situation develops, residents across California should remain vigilant and prioritize safety by avoiding wild mushrooms entirely. The urgency of this public health crisis cannot be overstated—share this information widely to ensure others are aware of the dangers lurking in seemingly harmless foraged foods.
