The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department is warning community members to avoid foraging and consuming wild mushrooms after a statewide health advisory was issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
The warning follows a recent outbreak of amatoxin poisoning linked to wild mushrooms, with 21 cases, including one death, reported statewide as of December 5. Clusters have been identified in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas, but the risk exists throughout California — including San Luis Obispo County.
“Poisonous mushrooms like the death cap may easily be mistaken for safe, edible mushrooms due to their similar appearance and taste. But they can cause serious and potentially fatal liver damage,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, county health officer. “They remain unsafe after cooking, boiling, drying, freezing… It’s safest to avoid eating wild mushrooms altogether.”
The death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) is especially dangerous and commonly found near oak, pine, and other hardwood trees throughout the state. Rain events in the fall and winter months create ideal conditions for their growth. Given the grave risk posed by consuming these toxic mushrooms, officials strongly advise the public to avoid foraging wild mushrooms and to only consume mushrooms purchased from reputable stores or known commercial sources.
“Initial symptoms, such as watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration can occur within 6 to 24 hours following ingestion of these toxic mushrooms and usually go away within a day,” Dr. Borenstein said. “However, this brief improvement can be deceptive, as patients may still develop serious to fatal liver damage within 48 to 96 hours after eating the mushrooms.
If you suspect someone has eaten a poisonous mushroom, seek medical care right away. Community members and healthcare providers should call the California Poison Control Hotline for guidance at 1-800-222-1222. For pets, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888- 426-4435.
