A California county reports a troubling uptick in mushroom poisonings, with several hospitalizations linked to foraged wild mushrooms. Monterey County’s Health Department issued a public alert on Monday, urging caution for anyone who picks or consumes wild fungi.
“Some poisonous wild mushrooms closely resemble edible varieties in both appearance and scent,” said Dr. Edward Moreno, Monterey County’s health officer. “Only individuals with substantial training and experience should eat wild mushrooms they have harvested themselves.”
Common toxic species include the death cap, the death angel, and the fly agaric. These mushrooms occur year-round in California, but are most frequently found in the fall, late winter, and spring, according to the Monterey County Health Department.
Earlier this year, three people were treated at Salinas Valley Health’s emergency department for acute liver toxicity after ingesting death cap mushrooms bought from an unlicensed vendor in a grocery-store parking lot. The death cap is widely regarded as the most lethal mushroom species, identifiable by a greenish-gray cap, white gills, and a white sac at the base.
Poisoning symptoms from wild mushrooms can include cramps, abdominal pain, and general gastrointestinal distress, along with potential liver damage and vomiting. Symptoms often do not appear for six to twelve hours after ingestion, but damage can occur early nonetheless. In rare cases, consuming toxic mushrooms can be fatal. Anyone who suspects mushroom ingestion should seek medical help immediately, even in the absence of symptoms, or contact the poison control center at 800-222-1222 for guidance.
