January 11, 2026 – Mariposa County Health & Human Services officials announce the dangers of accidentally consuming poison mushrooms.
We HIGHLY recommend outdoor recreation & healthy eating, but recently California has experienced an unprecedented outbreak of illnesses associated with the accidental consumption of death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides). Between November 18 and January 4, 2025, 35 cases have been reported statewide, resulting in three deaths and at least three liver transplants to date.
So, while 100% support outdoor recreation & healthy eating, we must encourage you to do so safely.
- Don’t eat wild mushrooms - in your yard, or the woods, or in your house, unless properly educated on types of fungi.
- Avoid eating mushrooms picked by friends or family, unless properly educated on types of fungi.
- Keep a close eye on kids playing outside where mushrooms grow. Most poisonings happen to children under 6 years old.
- Keep pets away from wild mushrooms - they can be poisoned too.
If you find yourself in danger of ingesting the not-so-FUNGI, immediately seek medical care or call the California Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
For more information regarding the current status of cases in California, please visit: www.cdph.ca.gov/.../EIS/Poisonous-Mushrooms.
Source & photo: Mariposa County Health & Human Services