Death Mushroom have caused 35 Hospitalized, 3 Deaths, and 3 Liver Transplants in California
Since these toxic mushrooms are easily confused with similar, edible mushrooms, their collection should be avoided
Death Mushrooms The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated its December 5 health guidance as an amatoxin poisoning outbreak continues to spread in California. This outbreak is linked to the harvesting and consumption of wild mushrooms and has caused severe liver damage in both children and adults, resulting in the deaths of three adults and three liver transplants to date. The CDPH urges Californians not to harvest or consume wild mushrooms, according to an official statement. Between November 18 and January 6, the California Poison Control System (CPCS) identified 35 hospitalizations in Northern California and the Central Coast, encompassing regions from Sonoma to San Luis Obispo. The affected individuals range in age from 19 months to 67 years and include family groups and individual cases.
Treatment for Poisoning
Medical treatment for amatoxin poisoning was provided in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma.
Most cases are in the Monterey Bay and San Francisco area, although the death cap mushroom can also be found throughout the state, especially near oak, other hardwood trees, and some pine trees.
Information provided by some of the affected individuals indicates that the death cap mushrooms were collected in Northern and Central California, including local, municipal, and national parks.
Proliferation of these fungi
Authorities warn that humid weather encourages the growth and harvesting of fungi with lethal consequences.
Recent rains in California contributed to the widespread growth of “death cap” fungi. The CDPH is again urging Californians not to collect or consume wild mushrooms, as the risk of potentially fatal amatoxin poisoning is high. Because these toxic mushrooms are easily mistaken for similar-looking, edible mushrooms, collecting them should be avoided. As of January 6, 35 cases have been reported in connection with the outbreak, including three adult deaths and three liver transplants. Public Health Policies:The CDPH continues to coordinate with the CPCS and public health partners on case investigation, follow-up, and the development of outreach and education materials. The CDPH released public service announcements (PSAs), with assistance from the San Luis Obispo Health Agency. These PSAs warn the public about the risks of mushroom hunting and picking during this high-risk season when "death caps" are abundant.
The CDPH also created poisonous mushroom web pages in English and Spanish, a Chinese PDF with important health information, brochures in English, Spanish, and Chinese, and detailed outbreak updates and additional educational resources.
Recommendations for Californians
Recommendations for Health Care Professionals
For the latest information on wild mushroom poisoning, visit the California Poison Control System or the CDPH's Wild Poisonous Mushroom page.