3 people hospitalised amid 'unprecedented outbreak' of mushroom poisonings
Three mushroom foragers have been hospitalised after consuming poisonous fungi during travels in the United States, health experts reported.
On Tuesday (12 May), it was confirmed that the mushrooms were picked between Deer Park Road, Fawn Road, and Silverado Trail in Napa County. and that the trio who were taken for medical care do not reside in California.
Napa County Public Health officials have since issued a warning to residents and tourists in the area, encouraging them not to eat wild mushrooms that ‘can be found anywhere’.
"California is experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of severe illness and deaths associated with the consumption of wild mushrooms," a press release stated.
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“Since November 18, 2025, there have been 47 cases and four deaths reported statewide.”
Dr Christine Wu, Napa County Public Health Officer and Deputy Director, Health & Human Services-Public Health, has blamed ‘recent rains’ for the resurgence of poisonous wild mushrooms in California.
“Poisonous mushrooms can look and taste similar to safe mushrooms, and even experienced mushroom hunters have been affected by this outbreak,” she said.
Napa County Public Health officials stated that the best way to avoid being caught up in the 'unprecedented outbreak' is simply not to eat them, even if they have been foraged by your friends and family.
Children should be watched closely when they play outside where wild mushrooms are known to sprout, as should pets such as cats, dogs and rabbits.
The office also noted that even if you cook, boil, freeze or dry the mushrooms, they can still be poisonous and unsafe to eat.
It’s possible for mild symptoms, such as stomach cramps and vomiting, to set in around six to 24 hours after ingestion.
However, anyone who has consumed the item should seek medical care immediately and call the California Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
If left untreated, severe symptoms such as seizures, organ failure and death may occur.
FOODbible has contacted Napa County Public Health for additional comment.
The new warning comes just months after Californian officials noted that four people had died and 39 had fallen seriously ill after consuming wild mushrooms linked to the death cap, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous fungi in existence.
The California Department of Public Health called the situation ‘‘an unprecedented outbreak of severe illness and deaths associated with people accidentally picking and eating poisonous wild mushrooms, specifically Death Cap and Western Destroying Angel mushrooms’.
It’s understood that these poisonous mushrooms closely resemble edible varieties and had been growing rapidly following the rainy season.
“Unless you’re an expert who studies mushrooms, it can be very difficult to know [the difference],” said Dr Craig Smollin, medical director for the San Francisco Division of the California Poison Control System.
Ella Scott