Wild Mushroom Poisonings Spark Deadly Fungus Outbreak in Bay Area
A surge in deadly wild mushroom sightings across the Bay Area has claimed one life and hospitalized dozens more after eating toxic "death cap mushrooms." The fungal frenzy comes on the heels of significant rainfall, prompting many to take to the outdoors for a spot of foraging. However, experts warn that this hobby can be a recipe for disaster if you're not in the know.
According to Sonoma County Department of Health Services, there were 35 cases of wild mushroom poisoning statewide, including three fatalities and three liver transplants between November 18 and January 4. The victims all fell victim to the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), one of the most toxic varieties in North America.
Those who ventured into the great outdoors, such as Laura Marcelino and her husband Carlos, were unaware that their foraged mushrooms were poisonous. Marcelino, from Salinas, contracted a life-threatening condition after cooking and eating wild mushrooms gathered during a family hike in November. Her husband, Carlos, required a liver transplant due to severe mushroom poisoning.
"It's great to learn how to forage for mushrooms if you have an interest," says Debbie Viess, co-founder of the Bay Area Mycological Society and organizer of upcoming mushroom events. "We teach people how to see mushrooms." However, she stresses that when it comes to eating wild mushrooms, leave it up to the experts.
Rais Vohra, Medical Director with the California Poison Control System, emphasizes the importance of exercising extreme caution when it comes to foraging for wild mushrooms. "Washing, cooking, and preparing poisonous mushrooms does not neutralize the toxins," he warns. If you eat them, you're in grave danger.
Experts stress that there's no safe way to forage for wild mushrooms without extensive knowledge and experience. The best way to stay safe is to avoid eating wild mushrooms altogether. Instead, opt for purchasing from reputable farmers' markets or grocery stores.
A surge in deadly wild mushroom sightings across the Bay Area has claimed one life and hospitalized dozens more after eating toxic "death cap mushrooms." The fungal frenzy comes on the heels of significant rainfall, prompting many to take to the outdoors for a spot of foraging. However, experts warn that this hobby can be a recipe for disaster if you're not in the know.
According to Sonoma County Department of Health Services, there were 35 cases of wild mushroom poisoning statewide, including three fatalities and three liver transplants between November 18 and January 4. The victims all fell victim to the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), one of the most toxic varieties in North America.
Those who ventured into the great outdoors, such as Laura Marcelino and her husband Carlos, were unaware that their foraged mushrooms were poisonous. Marcelino, from Salinas, contracted a life-threatening condition after cooking and eating wild mushrooms gathered during a family hike in November. Her husband, Carlos, required a liver transplant due to severe mushroom poisoning.
"It's great to learn how to forage for mushrooms if you have an interest," says Debbie Viess, co-founder of the Bay Area Mycological Society and organizer of upcoming mushroom events. "We teach people how to see mushrooms." However, she stresses that when it comes to eating wild mushrooms, leave it up to the experts.
Rais Vohra, Medical Director with the California Poison Control System, emphasizes the importance of exercising extreme caution when it comes to foraging for wild mushrooms. "Washing, cooking, and preparing poisonous mushrooms does not neutralize the toxins," he warns. If you eat them, you're in grave danger.
Experts stress that there's no safe way to forage for wild mushrooms without extensive knowledge and experience. The best way to stay safe is to avoid eating wild mushrooms altogether. Instead, opt for purchasing from reputable farmers' markets or grocery stores.
Amanita phalloides 4 life 
"Don't be a shiitake to the mushroom" 
! I mean, I get it, they can look super tempting and exotic, but trust the experts - not just anyone knows what's safe and what's not 
. I was out with friends hiking the other day and we saw these "delicious-looking" fungi growing by the side of the trail... turned out to be poisonous 
! We were all like "oh no, too late now!" because we didn't know any better.
. Don't risk your life over something that's basically just not worth it 
. Stick to buying from reputable sources - grocery stores, farmers' markets... those places have experts who know what they're doing 
. Your liver (and family) will thank you! 
think people need to be super careful when it comes to foraging for wild mushrooms they can easily get poisoned 
no matter how much knowledge they have just gotta stick to the experts 
buying from farmers markets is a great way to stay safe 
. i know some ppl might be all about trying new things, but when it comes to eating wild mushrooms, you gotta play it safe, folks! 
if u don't know what ur doing, just stick with the farmers' markets or grocery stores, trust me. your liver (and life) will thank u 
I mean, yay! Foraging for wild mushrooms can be super fun, but we gotta be responsible about it, right? 
.
. I mean, who wants to be one of those people in the hospital with a liver transplant? 
Yeah, let's just stick to buying our mushrooms from farmers' markets or stores instead 
.
Don't take any risks, and always prioritize your health and safety 
. There's so much beauty in nature, but sometimes we gotta respect its power and be smart about it 
.