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California health officials are warning the public about eating wild mushrooms foraged in parks and backyards following a cluster of mushroom-related poisonings that resulted in 1 adult death and cases of severe liver injury in children. According to the state poison control system, 21 cases of suspected amatoxin exposure—likely linked to death cap mushrooms growing in a local park—have been reported. These highly toxic mushrooms are frequently confused with edible varieties due to their similar appearance and taste. Several affected patients have required intensive care, and at least 1 may need a liver transplant. Wet weather creates a favorable growing season, which can lead to a spike in poisonings, officials say. There were more than 4,500 cases of exposure to unidentified mushrooms reported to poison centers in the United States in 2023, according to the report.
Poison presentation: The clinical presentation of mushroom toxicity differs depending on the species of mushroom and toxin ingested but may include, for example, acute gastroenteritis, seizures, hallucinations, cholinergic toxicity, and liver toxicity, among other symptoms. However, some of the more toxic mushrooms may not cause symptoms until more than 6 hours after ingestion, which could make diagnosis more challenging. Patients and providers can contact poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. Read Foraged Mushroom Toxicity Presenting to Urgent Care with Acute Kidney Injury in JUCM’s archives.