Home / Health / Wild Mushroom Danger: Monterey County Sees Poisoning Spike
Wild Mushroom Danger: Monterey County Sees Poisoning Spike
4 Dec
Summary
- Monterey County hospitals report increased poisonings from wild mushrooms.
- Consuming wild mushrooms can cause severe illness, liver damage, or death.
- Common poisonous types include Death Angel, Death Cap, and Fly Amanita.
Monterey County health officials have issued an urgent warning to the public regarding the dangers of foraging for wild mushrooms. Recent weeks have seen a notable increase in hospitalizations across the area attributed to the consumption of poisonous wild fungi.
The Monterey County Health Department highlighted that these poisonous mushrooms can induce severe gastrointestinal distress, ranging from painful cramps and vomiting to potentially fatal liver damage. Dr. Edward Moreno, the health officer, emphasized that poisonous varieties can closely mimic edible mushrooms, making identification extremely difficult for untrained individuals.
Commonly encountered toxic mushrooms include the Amanita ocreata, known as the Death Angel, and the Amanita phalloides, or Death Cap. These fungi are prevalent in California and can be found throughout the year, with peaks during fall, late winter, and spring. Anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming wild mushrooms should seek immediate medical attention, and the California Poison Control Center is available for guidance.
