Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on May 19, 2026
Cases of wild mushroom poisoning have increased dramatically over the past year. A recent uptick in poisoning cases has the State of California health department and other local health authorities warning their jurisdictions about this serious situation.
What is wild mushroom poisoning and how common is it? What can you do to protect yourself? If you get sick, do you know what to do?
Here’s what we know so far about the recent uptick and the wild mushroom poisoning outbreak in California so far!
According to a press release, a “Northern California outbreak remains active as cases spread into Central California.
So far, there have been at least 49 reported cases of wild mushroom poisoning in the state. There have been four fatalities and four liver transplants associated with the outbreak. Patients have ranged in age from as young as 19 months to as old as 56 years. Illnesses have spanned multiple counties and are still being identified statewide. The counties with wild mushroom poisoning cases include Alameda, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Monterey, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, and Yuba so far.
The first case in the outbreak was reported on November 18, 2025, with most recent cases being reported on May 11, 2026.
The reason for these current announcements is the recent uptick in cases. Mostly from poisonings linked to Amanita phalloides (death cap mushroom) and Amanita ocreata (destroying angel mushroom). Which are sometimes mistaken for safe mushrooms
In the last three weeks, ten more cases have been reported.
Napa County Public Health indicated that three adults (who are not Napa County Residents) were hospitalized last weekend.
According to Napa County Health Public Health recent illnesses reported over the weekend were foraged in the Deer Park area (between Deer Park Road, Fawn Road, and Silverado Trail). However, these poisonous mushrooms can be found anywhere. Especially under ideal conditions.
“Recent rains have contributed to the resurgence of poisonous wild mushrooms in California,” says Dr. Christine Wu, Napa County Public Health Officer and Deputy Director, Health & Human Services-Public Health.
Something similar happened in 2016, where abundant rainfall promoted phalloides bloom in the Bay Area. F
Shortly after, 14 cases of liver toxicity were reported. All within two weeks.
With continued or renewed rainfall, mushroom growth may continue deep into summer. Long past their usual growing season.
“Poisonous mushrooms can look and taste similar to safe mushrooms, and even experienced mushroom hunters have been affected by this outbreak,” she continued.
While the recent 49 cases sounds significant, how does it compare to the state’s average case count?
According to historical data, California typically sees fewer than five cases of wild mushroom poisoning each year. That is about nine times the annual California baseline. In fact, the 49 cases have nearly reached the national average of 50 Amanita poisonings reported across the entire United States.
Wild mushroom poisoning can be deadly!
Factors include how much you consumed and how your body processes it. Some people may experience mild illness. Others may experience an illness that is more serious.
The toxicity affects the liver. Those with wild mushroom poisoning, more often than not, require medical intervention and liver treatment.
Most of the time, symptoms begin around six to 12 hours after consuming. However, in some cases, more serious symptoms do not appear right away. In fact, some may occur days or even weeks after consuming it.
Common symptoms of wild mushroom poisoning include:
Another reason experts pose as a reason for the recent rise in wild mushroom poisonings involves the recent popularity of mushroom foraging. While it may be a fruitful hobby, it can also be a dangerous one.
California Department of Public Health says not to pick or eat wild mushrooms, because “it’s too easy to mistake a poisonous one for one that’s edible.” Consuming cultivated mushrooms from a grocery store or market is a much safer option.
If you choose to forage wild mushrooms, be absolutely certain that your true morel mushroom is not a false morel mushroom. Or that your meadow mushroom is not a destroying angel mushroom.
Are you 100% sure?
If not, leave it to the experts.
If you suspect wild mushroom poisoning, call 911 right away. If you are unsure or suspect you or someone else has consumed a wild poisonous mushroom call the Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance and assistance.
Keep some of the remaining mushroom for identification or testing purposes, if possible. Correct identification of the specific mushroom you consumed may expedite treatment.
Restaurants and others in the food service industry should not be selling or serving wild foraged mushrooms. Mushrooms should come from an accredited or cultivated source to ensure unintentional wild mushroom poisoning does not take place.
If you have consumed mushrooms at a restaurant and fell sick, it is a good idea to get advice from a food poisoning lawyer.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help! The experienced food poisoning lawyers at The Lange Law Firm can help answer your questions and guide you through the difficult process. Call (833) 330-3663 for a free, no obligation consultation or click here to email.
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “Is That Mushroom Safe? Health Authorities Warn of Unprecedented Wild Mushroom Poisoning Outbreak in California,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)