Contra Costa County Man Dies After Eating Toxic 'Death Cap' Mushrooms

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — An outbreak of toxic mushroom poisonings across California has killed a Contra Costa County man.

The man, in his 60s, died after eating the toxic plant, health officials said Tuesday.

Officials believe the man foraged the lethal fungus -- known as “death cap mushrooms” -- from a regional park in Contra Costa County.

California health officials said on Jan. 14 that poison mushrooms had killed three people and sickened 35 in California, with three requiring liver transplants as a result. Patients range in age from 19 months to 67 years.

According to the California Department of Public Health, wild mushrooms grow in many areas of the state, especially after wet weather.

Two of the most toxic mushrooms that pop up during the rainy season are the Death Cap mushroom and the Western Destroying Angel mushroom.

They look similar to variety of edible mushrooms, but are deadly poisonous, officials warned.

Knowing the difference between an edible mushroom and a toxic one is challenging even for experienced foragers, health officials said. Poisonous mushrooms can look and taste similar to safe mushrooms, and some resemble mushrooms at grocery stores. In addition, people accustomed to foraging in their home country, may mistake local poisonous mushrooms in California for safe ones from their nation of origin.

Health officials said that foragers in California face a great risk.

Symptoms may not appear until 6 to 24 hours after eating a poisonous mushroom.

• Mild symptoms (even mild nausea) can signal a more severe reaction. Sometimes, early symptoms go away within a day, but serious or fatal liver damage can still develop within 2 to 3 days.
• Seek help immediately if you or someone you know has eaten a poisonous mushroom. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Treatment is more difficult once symptoms start.

Anyone who believes they or someone else may have eaten a poisonous mushroom should immediately seek medical care or call the California Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.