(FOX40.COM) — As of Friday, 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning has been reported in California following a recent outbreak linked to the consumption of wild, foraged mushrooms.
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The California Department of Public Health is issuing an urgent advisory and has reported seeing significant clusters of the illness in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas.
Confirmed cases have resulted in severe liver damage in both pediatric and adult patients, with the CDPH reporting one adult fatality.
“Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure, said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “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.”
Toxic mushrooms, such as the death cap (Amanita phalloides), can easily be mistaken for safe, edible mushrooms due to their similar appearance and taste. Consuming these mushrooms can lead to severe poisoning. Death cap mushrooms are found in many parts of California, particularly near oaks and other hardwood trees, including pine trees.
Officials said that initial symptoms can be seen six to 24 hours following ingestion of these toxic mushrooms and usually go away within a day. However, after experiencing symptoms, patients may still develop serious to fatal liver damage within 48 to 96 hours after eating the mushrooms.
Healthcare providers are advised to contact the California Poison Control System at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance on diagnosing and treating patients with suspected mushroom poisoning.
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