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Three people in California have died after consuming wild death cap mushrooms, a fatal fungus that can cause severe liver damage from amatoxin poisoning. Within two months, the toxic mushroom has sent 35 people to the hospital, with three people needing liver transplants.
The death cap mushroom, also known as amanita phalloides, has led to an outbreak of poisonings since December, affecting individuals between the ages of 19 months and 67 years old. The California Department of Public Health announced on Jan. 14 that the total number of hospitalizations have grown.
State officials are urging people to stop picking or eating wild mushrooms. The death cap mushroom can easily be confused for lookalike mushrooms that are safe to eat. Another toxic mushroom popping up this rainy season is called the western destroying angel mushroom, or amanita ocreata.
Reports of mushroom poisoning have come from across Northern California and the Central Coast, from Sonoma to San Luis Obispo. People have sought medical treatment in several local counties, including San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Contra Costa, Alameda and Monterey.
Mushroom poisonings are more common among people who are new to California and used to foraging similar edible mushrooms in their home countries, according to state health officials.
Expert mushroom foragers say that this winter’s mushroom season has seen an abundance of death cap mushrooms sprouting across California. The deadly fungi grows near oak trees and other hardwoods.
Treatment for amatoxin poisoning can be more difficult once symptoms start, according to the CDPH. Initial symptoms after eating a toxic mushroom can cause watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration within six to 24 hours. Although symptoms will subside within a day, patients may experience serious or even fatal liver damage days after eating the mushroom.
Mushroom poisonings can also lead to kidney damage, seizures, hallucinations and death, according to public health officials.
The best way to stay safe from potential poisonings is to not eat wild mushrooms, avoid mushrooms picked by friends or family and to be cautious of pets and young children playing around areas where mushrooms grow.
If you or someone you know has consumed a poisonous mushroom, immediately contact the California Poison Control System hotline at 800-222-1222.
Local mycological societies can help people identify mushrooms properly before consumption to prevent potential poisonings. Find resources at the San Francisco Mycological Society, Peninsula Mycology Circle, Bay Area Applied Mycology, Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz and Sonoma County Mycological Association.
For more information visit cdph.ca.gov.
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