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Deadly Mushroom Outbreak in California Highlights Risks of Wild Foraging
California health officials are urging residents to avoid wild mushroom foraging after a recent outbreak of poisonings linked to toxic mushrooms killed one adult and caused severe liver damage in several others, including children.
The California poison control system confirmed 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning, most likely caused by death cap mushrooms, according to the California Department of Public Health. These mushrooms closely resemble several edible varieties and are often mistaken for safe species.
“Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure,” said Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health. “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.”
Officials confirmed one adult has died, and multiple patients required intensive care, with at least one person potentially needing a liver transplant.
Wet Weather Driving High-Risk Mushroom Growth
Health officials say the spike in poisonings coincides with wet weather, which fuels the growth of death cap mushrooms. Residents in Monterey County became ill after consuming mushrooms gathered from a local park. Another cluster of poisonings occurred in the San Francisco Bay Area, though state officials emphasized that the risk exists throughout California.
California sees hundreds of wild mushroom poisoning cases each year, and nationally, America’s Poison Centers logged more than 4,500 exposures to unidentified mushrooms in 2023 alone, with roughly half involving young children.
Officials stress that a mushroom’s color, taste, or whether it’s cooked does not reliably determine safety. Both death cap mushrooms and the closely related “destroying angel” mushroom resemble edible varieties, making visual identification unreliable without expert knowledge.
Foraging Safety: Even “Safe” Mushrooms Carry Risk
While mushroom foraging is a popular outdoor activity across much of the United States, experts stress that education is critical before harvesting anything for consumption. Even mushrooms generally considered edible can cause illness if prepared incorrectly, eaten raw, or harvested from contaminated areas such as roadsides, parks, or treated landscapes.
Medical experts warn that toxic mushroom symptoms often appear within 24 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. However, temporary symptom relief does not mean the danger has passed. Serious liver damage can develop days later, often when patients believe they are recovering.
Anyone who suspects mushroom poisoning should immediately contact the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Why This Matters to the Outdoor Community
For hunters, campers, hikers, and homesteaders, this outbreak serves as a clear reminder that wild food harvesting carries real risk without proper training and identification tools. Even experienced outdoorsmen can be fooled by species that closely resemble edible mushrooms.
OutdoorHub regularly covers outdoor safety concerns through its Wilderness Law and wilderness medical reporting, where misidentification and improper food handling have led to serious field emergencies.
With peak foraging season underway, officials urge caution: When in doubt, throw it out.
The post Deadly Mushroom Outbreak in California Highlights Risks of Wild Foraging appeared first on OutdoorHub.
