California health officials warn public of wild mushrooms

As California gets more wet weather, some areas might see wild mushrooms sprouting from the ground. State health officials want to remind people that eating wild mushrooms can cause serious illness and even death.

“Telling the difference between wild mushrooms that are safe and those that are poisonous can be difficult for many people,” said State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith.

Last winter, a bloom of Amanita phalloides, also known as the “death cap” resulted in 14 mushroom poisonings in the state. Three of the cases required a liver transplant.

According to the California Poison Control System (CPCS), 1,038 cases of poisonous mushroom ingestion were reported throughout the state from November 2016 to January 15, 2018. Among those cases:
-16 suffered a major health outcome, such as liver failure leading to coma and/or a liver transplant, or kidney failure requiring dialysis.

-51 suffered a moderate health outcome, such as dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, or injury to the liver or kidney.

-433 were children younger than six years of age. Usually, the children ate a small amount of a mushroom growing in yards or neighborhood parks.

-522 were treated at a health care facility.

-16 were admitted to an intensive care unit.

Eating wild mushrooms can cause stomach pain, cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage or death.

For those who develop these symptoms should contact CPCS immediately at (800) 222-1222.