7 hospitalized in Monterey County after eating potentially lethal mushrooms

SALINAS, Calif. — Seven people were hospitalized in Monterey County after consuming wild white cap mushrooms, which health officials warn can lead to severe poisoning, liver failure, and even death. Dr. Kimberly Moulton, an emergency medicine physician at Salinas Valley Health, said, "In this case with these mushrooms, I would say one bite can kill."

She explained that the hospital treated seven patients over the weekend who had ingested the mushrooms, noting the limited treatment options available.

"There's no antidote to these poisonings; we have protocols that we can use to try to treat it, we can use medications, procedures, the sickest patients may end up needing a liver transplant," Moulton said.

Hospital staff emphasized that washing, cooking, and preparing the mushrooms do not neutralize the toxins.

"Typically, these mushrooms are the amanita type of mushroom, and they contain a toxin called amatoxin, which is really the dangerous, lethal toxin that causes the poisoning," Moulton said.

These poisonous mushrooms grow in certain parts of California year-round but are most commonly found during fall, late winter, and spring.

Moulton explained that symptoms of mushroom poisoning can be delayed, saying, "Some people may consume a small amount and not have any symptoms, but some people do develop symptoms, typically when these more serious mushroom poisoning the symptoms actually present in pretty much delayed fashion, so the mushrooms may be consumed and we don't see any symptoms for 6 to 12, sometimes even longer hours."

The County of Monterey Health Department advises the public to consume only commercially produced mushrooms.

"Public health recommends that individuals only eat mushrooms that are produced by commercial providers, which include mushrooms you can only buy in grocery stores," Edward Moreno, County of Monterey Public Health Director, said.

Some of the patients from the weekend are recovering, while a few remain hospitalized and may require liver transplants.

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Media Contact: Karina Rusk
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