Three more people sick in California amid unprecedented outbreak' due to toxic mushrooms

"Health authorities in Napa county reported that three people had been hospitalized after consuming poisonous wild mushrooms as the state continues to grapple with an unprecedented outbreak of toxic mushroom illnesses. Since November 2025, California has seen 47 cases of people accidentally foraging and eating poisonous wild mushrooms, including death caps, which can resemble edible species, and western destroying angel mushrooms. Four people have died and several have required liver transplants."

"The Napa group ate mushrooms foraged from the Deer Park area, according to a statement from the county public health department. The incident comes as recent rains have contributed to the resurgence of poisonous wild mushrooms across the state, said Dr Christine Wu, the county's public health officer. Poisonous mushrooms can look and taste similar to safe mushrooms, and even experienced mushroom hunters have been affected by this outbreak, Wu said in a statement."

"Symptoms can start out mild but quickly become fatal, according to the county public health department, which advised people not to eat wild mushrooms and keep children and pets away from the fungi. California too has urged residents not to consume any wild mushrooms this year, citing the increase in poisonings. In a typical year, the state sees fewer than five mushroom-poisoning cases."

"Some people appear to have mistaken death caps for an edible species they foraged in their home country. We thought it was safe, one poisoning victim told the San Francisco Chronicle in February. It looked a lot like the ones we picked and ate back in Oaxaca. Death caps are highly poisonous, and consuming half a cap or less can kill a person."

Health authorities in Napa County, California reported three hospitalizations after people ate poisonous wild mushrooms. Since November 2025, California recorded 47 cases of accidental ingestion of poisonous wild mushrooms, including death caps and western destroying angel mushrooms. Four deaths occurred, and several patients required liver transplants. The Napa incident involved mushrooms foraged from the Deer Park area. Recent rains have contributed to a resurgence of poisonous mushrooms across the state. Poisonous mushrooms can resemble edible species in appearance and taste, and even experienced hunters have been affected. Symptoms may begin mildly but can rapidly become fatal. Authorities advised residents not to eat wild mushrooms and to keep children and pets away from them.

Read at www.theguardian.com