California health officials are urging residents to refrain from foraging wild mushrooms following a poisoning outbreak that has resulted in one death and severe liver damage in several individuals, including children. The state's poison control system has reported 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning, which are likely linked to death cap mushrooms, according to the health department's announcement on Friday.

Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, emphasized the danger, stating, "Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure. 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."

The outbreak has led to one confirmed death, and multiple patients have required intensive medical care, with at least one individual potentially needing a liver transplant. The recent wet weather has contributed to the proliferation of death cap mushrooms, prompting officials to caution against any wild mushroom foraging to prevent confusion.

Residents in Monterey County fell ill after consuming mushrooms gathered from a local park, while another group of cases was reported in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, state health officials have indicated that the risk of encountering toxic mushrooms exists throughout California.

In 2023, over 4,500 cases of exposure to unidentified mushrooms were recorded by America's Poison Centers, with approximately half involving young children. Experts warn that children may unknowingly pick and consume mushrooms while playing outdoors.

California's poison control system typically handles hundreds of wild mushroom poisoning cases each year. The death cap mushroom and the “destroying angel” mushroom are particularly dangerous as they can resemble edible varieties. Experts caution that color alone is not a reliable indicator of a mushroom's toxicity, and whether mushrooms are consumed raw or cooked does not mitigate the risk.

Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can manifest within 24 hours and may include stomach cramping, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. Although gastrointestinal symptoms may improve, health officials warn that serious complications, including liver damage, can develop later.

For those seeking assistance with diagnosing or treating mushroom poisoning, the poison control hotline is available at 1-800-222-1222.