"SAN FRANCISCO -- California officials are warning foragers after an outbreak of poisoning linked to wild mushrooms that has killed one adult and caused severe liver damage in several patients, including children. The state poison control system has identified 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning, likely caused by death cap mushrooms, the health department said Friday. The toxic wild mushrooms are often mistaken for edible ones because of their appearance and taste."
""Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure," Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, said in a statement. "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." One adult has died and several patients have required intensive care, including at least one who might need a liver transplant."
An outbreak of amatoxin poisoning in California has produced 21 identified cases, likely from death cap mushrooms, killing one adult and causing severe liver damage including in children. Wet weather has increased growth of death caps, which resemble many edible mushrooms in appearance and taste, leading to mistaken foraging. Officials report clusters in Monterey County parks and the San Francisco Bay Area, but warn risk statewide. Poison centers logged over 4,500 exposures to unidentified mushrooms in 2023, about half involving young children. Color and taste are unreliable to detect toxicity; some patients required intensive care and possible liver transplant.
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
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