California health officials are warning residents to avoid eating wild mushrooms after toxic mushroom poisonings reached record levels across the state.
According to officials, California has reported 50 cases of toxic wild mushroom poisoning. Four people have died, and multiple patients have required liver transplants after consuming poisonous mushrooms.
The warning applies statewide, including Southern California and the Inland Empire, where wild mushrooms can appear after wet weather in parks, yards, open spaces and foothill areas. Some poisonous varieties can closely resemble edible mushrooms, making them difficult to identify without specialized knowledge.
Health officials are urging residents not to pick or eat wild mushrooms unless they have been identified by a qualified expert. Cooking, drying or otherwise preparing a poisonous mushroom does not necessarily make it safe to eat.
Anyone who becomes ill after eating wild mushrooms should seek medical care immediately or contact poison control. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary, and serious complications may not appear right away.
