ONE person has died and 20 have been hospitalized after eating poisoned food.
The victims are both adults and children, with several patients being placed in intensive care and at least one likely needing a liver transplant.
California state officials have confirmed that the fatality was an adult.
In a release on Friday, the state Department of Public Health warned of the “outbreak of potentially deadly amatoxin poisoning” due to the consumption of wild mushrooms.
“Confirmed cases have resulted in severe liver damage in both pediatric and adult patients, including one adult fatality,” it read.
Officials revealed that all those affected had eaten foraged toxic Death Cap mushrooms.
In California, these are typically found near oaks and hardwood trees like pine trees, especially during the fall and winter months.
They are easily confused for edible mushrooms as they have a similar appearance and taste, but are deadly, and no method of preparation, such as boiling, drying or freezing, will make them safe for consumption.
“Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer.
“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.”
Officials have warned that the number of deaths and hospitalizations is only those that were reported to the California Poison Control System between mid-November and December 5.
They warned of “significant clusters” of reports in Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas but highlighted that the risk is statewide and ongoing.
Symptoms of having eaten toxic mushrooms include nausea, watery diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and dehydration.
This usually takes place between six and 24 hours after eating and can pass in a day, but officials warned that even if you briefly feel better, fatal liver damage can still take place (usually within 48 to 96 hours after consumption).
Officials are continuing to monitor hospitalizations in the state from toxic foraged mushrooms and doctors have been told to call the CPCS at 1-800-222-1222.
“Given the grave risk posed by consuming these toxic mushrooms, CDPH strongly advises the public to avoid foraging wild mushrooms and to only consume mushrooms purchased from reputable stores or known commercial sources,” state officials have said.
