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California Mushroom Poisoning Outbreak Claims One Life, 20 Others Hospitalized

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, December 6th 2025 at 15:29 GMT by Patch

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California Mushroom Poisoning Outbreak Claims One Life and Leaves Nearly 20 Others Suffering

A harrowing episode of mushroom‑related food poisoning has unfolded across California, leaving one death and nearly two dozen people hospitalized. The outbreak, traced to a toxic mushroom species sold at a local market, has prompted swift action from state health officials, poison‑control specialists, and the broader public‑health community.

The Outbreak in a Nutshell

In late March, emergency rooms in Santa Ana and Long Beach began admitting patients with a constellation of symptoms that ranged from mild gastrointestinal distress to acute liver failure. A review of the cases revealed a common thread: all patients had consumed mushrooms purchased from the same retail vendor in the Inland Empire. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) confirmed that the culprit was Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the “death cap.” This deadly species contains potent amatoxins that block RNA polymerase II, effectively shutting down protein synthesis and causing severe liver and kidney damage.

By April 4th, the CDPH announced that the outbreak had resulted in 19 confirmed cases of illness and one death. The deceased, a 52‑year‑old male, had suffered a rapid decline in liver function and ultimately passed away in the hospital. Among the 18 survivors, most reported severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in several instances, jaundice and coagulation disorders. The CDC’s National Poison Data System logs the incident as a “mass casualty” event of mushroom poisoning, underscoring its severity.

How It Happened

According to the CDPH report, the mushrooms were sold at a popular “organic market” in the city of San Bernardino. A vendor on the premise claimed that the mushrooms were grown on a small, family‑owned farm in Arizona and were “fresh and safe.” When CDPH officials began tracing the supply chain, they discovered that the mushrooms had been imported from a greenhouse that had previously been identified as a source of Amanita species.

In a statement, Dr. Susan Lee, the CDPH’s lead toxicologist, emphasized that Amanita phalloides is nearly impossible to differentiate from edible species without specialized knowledge or laboratory testing. “These mushrooms are deceptively attractive,” Dr. Lee said. “Their caps are bright yellow or orange with concentric rings, which can easily mislead consumers who are not trained for mushroom identification.”

The vendor’s compliance with the California Food Code was called into question, as the state law requires that any foraged or cultivated mushroom sold for human consumption must be verified as safe by a qualified mycologist. A city inspector later found that the vendor had failed to provide the necessary documentation.

Symptoms and Treatment

The CDPH highlighted that amatoxin poisoning typically follows a triphasic pattern:

1. Gastrointestinal Phase (6–24 hours post‑ingestion): severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
2. Latent Phase (24–48 hours): apparent improvement as the toxins begin to be metabolized, though liver enzymes may continue to rise.
3. Liver Failure Phase (48–72 hours onward): jaundice, coagulopathy, hepatic encephalopathy, and in severe cases, multi‑organ failure.

Patients who presented in the third phase were often admitted to intensive care units, where they received high‑dose intravenous penicillin G, intravenous activated charcoal, and in some cases, plasma exchange or liver transplantation. The CDPH confirmed that four of the 18 survivors required admission to the ICU for advanced supportive care.

Public‑Health Response

The California Poison Control System (CPCS) issued an immediate advisory urging residents to report any symptoms consistent with mushroom poisoning to the 1‑800‑222‑1222 hotline. “We are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to offer rapid clinical guidance to healthcare providers and the public,” said CPCS spokesperson Maria Gonzales.

In addition, the CDPH, in partnership with the San Bernardino County Public Health Department, conducted a rapid outreach campaign. This included:

• Educational pamphlets distributed in grocery stores and community centers detailing the dangers of consuming unidentified wild mushrooms.
• Public service announcements on local radio and TV stations, warning against the purchase of mushrooms from unverified vendors.
• On‑site inspections of all licensed food establishments in the affected region to ensure compliance with state safety regulations.

The CDPH also requested that all mushroom vendors in California submit proof of mycological safety certification. “We will be conducting random inspections and enforcing penalties for non‑compliance,” the department added.

The Bigger Picture: A Growing Trend

While this outbreak is one of the most severe in recent California history, it is not an isolated incident. Across the United States, there have been an increasing number of cases in the last decade involving Amanita species and other poisonous mushrooms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks these incidents in its National Poison Data System and has issued guidance on safe mushroom handling.

A 2022 CDC report warned that “wild mushroom foraging is on the rise, especially as consumers seek local and “superfood” options.” The report cited that many foragers lack the expertise to differentiate between edible and poisonous species, and that the misidentification rate can exceed 60% in inexperienced groups.

What You Can Do

Experts advise that the safest approach is to avoid eating wild mushrooms unless you are an expert or have them confirmed by a professional mycologist. If you suspect you have consumed a toxic mushroom, seek medical care immediately. The CPCS notes that the window for effective treatment can be narrow, and early intervention is critical for survival.

Public‑health officials are also encouraging state regulators to tighten enforcement of the California Food Code, particularly concerning the sale of foraged and cultivated fungi. “Our priority is to protect residents from preventable poisonings,” said Dr. Lee. “This incident underscores the need for vigilance, transparency, and public education.”

Looking Forward

The CDPH will continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with federal agencies to investigate the source of the contaminated mushrooms. They also plan to conduct a public education campaign on safe mushroom consumption. While the current outbreak has claimed one life, the swift response from state officials and poison control experts may prevent future tragedies. For now, residents are urged to stay informed, avoid questionable mushroom sources, and seek immediate care if symptoms arise.