Published: January 14, 2026

Urgent Warning: Do Not Pick or Eat Wild Mushrooms

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is urging all Californians to avoid picking or eating wild mushrooms after an outbreak of deadly poisoning linked to Death Cap mushrooms.

Since mid-November 2025, 35 people have been hospitalized across Northern California and the Central Coast. Tragically, three adults have died, and three others have required liver transplants. Victims range in age from 19 months to 67 years.

Wet weather has created ideal conditions for Death Cap mushrooms to grow. These mushrooms are extremely poisonous and easily mistaken for safe, edible varieties.

What Are Death Cap Mushrooms?

Death Cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) contain a powerful toxin called amatoxin that causes severe liver damage. Even a small amount can be fatal.

Key facts about Death Cap mushrooms:
- They grow near oak trees, other hardwoods, and some pine trees
- They can appear in yards, parks, open spaces, and forested areas
- They look similar to some edible mushrooms, making them dangerous even for experienced foragers
- They remain poisonous after cooking, boiling, freezing, or drying

You cannot tell if a mushroom is safe by:
- How it looks, smells, or tastes
- Whether animals have eaten it
- Cooking or preparing it in any way

Where Cases Have Occurred

Hospitalized cases have been reported in these counties:
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Monterey
- San Francisco
- San Luis Obispo
- San Mateo
- Santa Clara
- Santa Cruz
- Sonoma

Most cases have occurred in the Monterey area and the San Francisco Bay Area, but Death Cap mushrooms can grow anywhere in California with suitable trees and moisture.

Mushrooms linked to poisoning were collected from various locations, including county parks, city open spaces, and national park lands.

Symptoms of Amatoxin Poisoning

Early symptoms (6 to 24 hours after eating):
- Watery diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration

These symptoms may improve after a day, creating a false sense of recovery.

Dangerous phase (48 to 96 hours after eating):
- Severe liver damage
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Bleeding problems
- Organ failure

Without prompt treatment, amatoxin poisoning can lead to liver failure, the need for transplantation, or death.

What to Do If Someone Eats a Wild Mushroom

Act Immediately—Do Not Wait for Symptoms

Call the California Poison Control System: 1-800-222-1222
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional
Save a sample of the mushroom if possible (take photos or keep a specimen in a paper bag)
Go to the nearest emergency room if advised by poison control

Early treatment significantly improves outcomes. Waiting for symptoms to appear can make treatment more difficult and less effective.

How to Stay Safe

For Everyone

Do not pick or eat wild mushrooms, even if you think you can identify them
Purchase mushrooms only from trusted grocery stores and reputable retailers
Use caution when buying mushrooms from street vendors or farmers markets
Teach children not to touch or eat wild mushrooms
Keep pets away from wild mushrooms

For Parents and Caregivers

Supervise children closely in areas where mushrooms may grow
Remove wild mushrooms from yards and play areas (wear gloves and dispose of them safely)
Talk to children about the dangers of eating things found outdoors

For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Be aware that mushrooms can grow along hiking trails, in parks, and near campsites
Do not allow children or pets to handle wild mushrooms
Remember: "When in doubt, throw it out"

What Public Health Officials Are Doing

CDPH is coordinating with the California Poison Control System and local health departments to:
- Track and investigate poisoning cases
- Provide medical guidance to healthcare providers
- Develop public education materials in multiple languages

Available resources include:
- Public service announcements in English, Spanish, and Mixteco
- Webpages with safety information in English and Spanish
- Educational flyers in English, Spanish, and Chinese
- A multilingual safety guide at: [https://flow.page/poisonousmushroomsafety](https://flow.page/poisonousmushroomsafety)

Local health agencies are also posting advisories in public spaces where Death Cap mushrooms may grow and coordinating with veterinarians to protect animal health.

Why This Outbreak Happened

Heavy rainfall created ideal conditions for mushroom growth across California. Death Cap mushrooms thrive in wet weather, especially near oak trees and other hardwoods.

Increased foraging activity—driven by interest in wild foods, cultural traditions, or economic need—has put more people at risk. Unfortunately, even experienced mushroom hunters can mistake Death Caps for edible varieties.

Common Myths About Wild Mushrooms

❌ "If it looks like a mushroom I've eaten before, it's safe."
✅ Many poisonous mushrooms closely resemble edible ones. Visual identification is unreliable without expert training.

❌ "Cooking destroys the toxins."
✅ Amatoxins in Death Cap mushrooms are not broken down by heat, freezing, or drying.

❌ "If animals eat it, it's safe for people."
✅ Animals may tolerate toxins that are deadly to humans.

❌ "Peeling or removing the gills makes it safe."
✅ Toxins are present throughout the entire mushroom.

Get Help and Stay Informed

If You Suspect Poisoning

California Poison Control System: 1-800-222-1222 (available 24/7)
Website: www.poisonhelp.org
Emergency: Call 911 for severe symptoms or loss of consciousness

For More Information

CDPH Poisonous Wild Mushrooms page: go.cdph.ca.gov/PoisonMushrooms
Spanish resources: go.cdph.ca.gov/HongosVenenosos
Multilingual safety guide: [https://flow.page/poisonousmushroomsafety](https://flow.page/poisonousmushroomsafety)

For Healthcare Providers

CDPH has issued clinical guidance on recognizing and treating amatoxin poisoning. Providers should maintain a high suspicion for mushroom poisoning in patients with unexplained liver injury, especially during wet seasons.

The Bottom Line

Death Cap mushrooms are deadly. There is no safe way for the general public to identify them. The only way to prevent poisoning is to avoid picking and eating wild mushrooms entirely.

Enjoy California's natural beauty—but leave the mushrooms to the experts.

Content provided by Crestwood General. We share clear, science-based health information to help our community stay informed and safe.