An outbreak of poisonous mushrooms that has killed four people and sickened dozens more across California has claimed three more victims in a wealthy wine country community.
The three adults had to be hospitalized after picking wild mushrooms in Napa County’s Deer Park, health officials said.
None of the victims are Napa County residents, and they foraged the mushrooms between Deer Park Road, Fawn Road and Silverado Trail.
“Recent rains have contributed to the resurgence of poisonous wild mushrooms in California, including in Napa,” said Dr. Christine Wu, public health officer for Napa County, in a statement.
“Poisonous mushrooms can look and taste similar to safe mushrooms, and even experienced mushroom hunters have been affected by this outbreak,” she added.
Dozens of people in California have been poisoned by wild mushrooms since November of last year, leading to four deaths and sickening nearly 50.
Two particularly toxic mushrooms found during the rainy season are the Death Cap mushroom and the Western Destroying Angel mushroom.
Consuming either mushroom can cause death within days via kidney and liver failure. At least three people needed a liver transplant to survive mushroom poisoning, health officials said.
The amount of poisonings this year is unprecedented, given that California typically sees fewer than five mushroom poisonings a year.
“California is experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of severe illness and deaths associated with the consumption of wild mushrooms,” Napa County health officials noted.
They warned that the mushrooms “can look and taste similar to safe mushrooms.”
“Some may resemble mushrooms that you can buy in a grocery store,” they add.
Many immigrants mistake the poisonous mushrooms for safe mushrooms they would harvest in their home country, officials added.
Experts have told The California Post that foragers must be extremely cautious.
“People who pick mushrooms have to be incredibly careful,” Julie Schreiber, an expert with the North American Mycological Association, told The Post. “There is no telltale sign of difference between the poisonous mushrooms and edible mushrooms.
“You have to be 100% CERTAIN before you ingest these mushrooms.”
The safest way to prevent mushroom poisoning is to simply not eat any wild mushrooms, according to officials. In addition, parents and pet parents are advised to watch their children and animals.
Any preparation method, including boiling, freezing or drying poisonous mushrooms, does not make them safe.
