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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (FOX 5\/KUSI) \u2014 California health officials are urging the public to avoid foraging for wild mushrooms after a dangerous outbreak of amatoxin poisoning led to severe illnesses\u00a0\u2014 including liver failure\u00a0\u2014 and at least one death statewide.<\/p>\n
On Friday, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that 21 cases have been reported as of Dec. 5 \u2014 identified by the California Poison Control System \u2014 with clusters identified in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay area. Patients include both children and adults, and several required intensive care. One adult died, and another may need a liver transplant,.<\/p>\n
\u201cDeath cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure,\u201d said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH director and state public health officer. \u201cBecause 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Death caps \u2014 scientifically known as Amanita phalloides \u2014 resemble some edible mushroom varieties, making them easy for even experienced foragers to misidentify, according to CDPH. Cooking or freezing them does not neutralize the toxins.<\/p>\n
\u2018The White Lotus\u2019 sparked surge in online searches for anxiety drug: UCSD study <\/a><\/p>\n Officials warn that mushroom poisoning symptoms typically begin six to 24 hours after ingestion and may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration. Patients often experience a short period of apparent recovery, but health experts say this can be deceptive as dangerous liver damage may develop 48 to 96 hours after consumption.<\/p>\n Healthcare providers are encouraged to contact the California Poison Control System at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance if mushroom poisoning is suspected.<\/p>\n As explained by CDPH officials, death cap mushrooms thrive in California\u2019s fall and winter months, especially after rain. They grow near oak, pine and other hardwood trees and are common throughout the state, including in urban areas.<\/p>\n Given the rising cases and severe outcomes, CDPH strongly advises foragers to only consume mushrooms purchased from reputable stores or trusted commercial suppliers.<\/p>\n For more information, visit the CDPH website<\/a> or contact the California Poison Control System<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n