SAN DIEGO (AP) — California is currently facing a serious health crisis due to the toxic death cap mushroom. Four people have died, and three others have required liver transplants after consuming these deadly fungi, which have surged in number following a rainy winter.
The California Department of Public Health is strongly advising against mushroom foraging this year. Many edible mushrooms look similar to the death cap, making it easy for people to mistake them for safe varieties. Since November 18, there have been over thirty reported cases of death cap poisoning, with symptoms like liver failure appearing rapidly. Victims have ranged in age from just 19 months to 67 years.
Dr. Craig Smollin, a medical expert with the California Poison Control System, mentioned, “This year, we’re seeing an unusual spike in cases.” He pointed out that in a typical year, only about two to five poisonings occur. Experts suggest that favorable weather conditions are leading to a “super bloom” of these dangerous mushrooms.
Even a small amount of the death cap can be lethal. The mushrooms contain powerful toxins called amatoxins, which are responsible for 90% of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. Color can be misleading, and whether the mushrooms are raw, dried, or cooked does not matter in regard to their toxicity.
One victim’s family thought they were safely foraging. Laura Marcelino from Salinas shared her story, saying they picked mushrooms that looked like ones they knew from Oaxaca, Mexico. Her husband experienced dizziness, and the next day they both fell ill after eating the mushrooms again. Laura ended up hospitalized for five days, while her husband required a liver transplant.
The symptoms of death cap poisoning can appear within 24 hours. Initially mild stomach cramps can escalate to severe liver damage within a few days. There has been a significant increase in poison control center calls related to all types of mushrooms, with a 40% rise reported between September and January compared to last year.
It’s important to stay informed and cautious. The California Department of Public Health has expanded warnings in multiple languages, as many affected individuals are Spanish and Mandarin speakers.
Expert opinions stress the need for caution. Unless someone is highly skilled in mushroom identification, it can be nearly impossible to determine toxicity just by looking. Parents and pet owners should be especially vigilant outdoors. It’s vital to buy mushrooms from trustworthy sources and seek immediate medical care if there’s any suspicion of poisoning.
For more information about mushroom poisoning, you can visit PoisonHelp.org.
In conclusion, as people are drawn to the allure of foraging, it is essential to exercise extreme caution. Staying educated on which mushrooms are safe can help prevent life-threatening mistakes.
