California officials are cautioning the public against foraging for wild mushrooms after a recent outbreak of poisoning associated with death cap mushrooms. This outbreak has resulted in one fatality and severe liver damage in multiple patients, including children. The state poison control system has reported 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning, which is primarily attributed to these toxic mushrooms.

Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, emphasized the dangers, stating that death cap mushrooms contain lethal toxins that can lead to liver failure. Due to their resemblance to edible mushrooms, officials strongly advise against foraging during this high-risk season.

The outbreak has been linked to mushrooms consumed in central California's Monterey County, with additional cases reported in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, health officials warn that the risk extends throughout the state. In 2023, over 4,500 cases of exposure to unidentified mushrooms were recorded by America’s Poison Centers, with approximately half involving young children, who may inadvertently consume mushrooms while playing outdoors.

California's poison control system typically handles hundreds of wild mushroom poisoning cases annually. The death cap and the similarly toxic “destroying angel” mushrooms can be mistaken for safe varieties, making visual identification unreliable. Furthermore, cooking does not eliminate the toxins present in these mushrooms.

Symptoms of poisoning can manifest as stomach cramping, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting within 24 hours of ingestion. Although gastrointestinal symptoms may improve, serious complications, including liver damage, can develop later. For assistance with mushroom poisoning, individuals can contact the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222.