Sonoma County resident died this past weekend after consuming wild mushrooms. Statewide, there were 35 cases of wild mushroom poisoning, including three deaths and three liver transplants, between Nov. 18 and Jan. 4. Given that, in an average year, fewer than five cases statewide would normally be expected, Sonoma County interim health officer Dr. Michael Stacey is advising residents not to eat wild mushrooms.
“Early rains and a mild fall have led to profusion of the toxic death cap mushrooms in Northern California,” said Dr. Stacey. “Eating wild mushrooms gathered without expert identification can be unsafe. Some harmful varieties closely resemble edible mushrooms, even to experienced foragers.”
How to stay safe
- The best way to stay safe is to not eat wild mushrooms.
- Avoid eating mushrooms picked by friends or family.
- Watch children closely when they play outside where mushrooms grow. Among pediatric mushroom poisonings, the majority occur in children under 6 years old.
- Keep pets away from wild mushrooms — animals can be poisoned too.
- Buy mushrooms only from trusted grocery stores and retailers. Take care when buying mushrooms from street vendors.
- Cooking, boiling, freezing or drying poisonous mushrooms does not make them safe to eat.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning
- Symptoms may not appear until 6 to 24 hours after eating a poisonous mushroom.
- Mild symptoms (even mild nausea) can be the beginning of a more severe reaction. Sometimes early symptoms go away within a day, but serious to fatal liver damage can still develop within 2 to 3 days.
- Seek medical help immediately if you or someone you know has eaten a poisonous mushroom. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Treatment is more difficult once symptoms start.
Editors Note:
This announcement comes after December warnings from the East Bay Regional Park Distirct who typically will issue its Annual Wild Mushroom Advisory in East Bay Regional Parks. They also issued a warning in December regarding Outbreak of Potentially Deadly Amatoxin Poisoning Linked to the Consumption of Wild, Foraged Mushrooms.
According to EBRPD: The death cap and western destroying angel mushrooms contain amatoxins, molecules that are deadly to many animals. Symptoms may not appear until up to 12 hours after consumption, beginning as severe gastrointestinal distress and progressing to liver and kidney failure if treatment is not sought immediately. Both of these mushrooms can be lethal to humans and pets if consumed. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if they suspect their pet may have eaten a toxic mushroom. They are mainly associated with oak trees and can be found growing anywhere oak roots are present. Collecting any mushrooms in East Bay Regional Parks is not allowed.
