Mushroom lovers, beware! U.S. issues warning as deadly ‘Death Cap’ mushrooms cause liver damage and deaths
New York (The Uttam Hindu): If you enjoy eating mushrooms, this news is extremely important for you. The U.S. has issued a serious warning after several cases of poisoning linked to wild mushrooms. In California, a person died after consuming the highly toxic “Death Cap” mushroom, triggering widespread concern. Officials have now issued a health advisory urging people to completely avoid eating wild mushrooms.
According to the California Department of Public Health, several people—including children—have recently fallen seriously ill after eating poisonous mushrooms. Many patients suffered severe liver damage, and poison control centers have recorded 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning so far. Health authorities say the “Death Cap” mushroom is responsible. It closely resembles edible mushrooms in appearance and taste, causing people to consume it by mistake. Department Director Erica Pan said the mushroom contains dangerous toxins that can lead to liver failure, and urged people to avoid picking or eating wild mushrooms during this high-risk season.
Toxic mushrooms spread rapidly during the rainy season. Many cases have been reported after people ate mushrooms picked from parks in Monterey County and the San Francisco Bay Area. The situation is so severe that one patient may even require a liver transplant. In 2023, U.S. poison centers received more than 4,500 reports involving unknown mushrooms, over half of which involved young children who accidentally ingested them while playing.
Experts warn that it is nearly impossible for ordinary people to identify toxic mushrooms. Their color does not reveal if they are poisonous, and cooking does not destroy the toxins. Symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea usually appear within 24 hours and may temporarily improve with medication—but this improvement can be misleading, as liver damage begins soon after. Health authorities have clearly stated that the safest choice is to completely avoid any type of wild mushroom.