Current Situation

County of Monterey Health Department recently received reports of several Monterey County residents who became severely ill following the consumption of wild mushrooms.  The mushrooms were foraged from a local park.  The ill individuals experienced gastrointestinal symptoms.  Some were transferred to Bay Area facilities due to severe hepatotoxicity. 

Recommendations for Health Care Providers

• Be aware of the symptoms of mushroom toxicity, which manifest 1 to 6 hours following consumption:
  • Increased tearing and salivation
  • Constriction of the pupils
  • Sweating
  • Vomiting, stomach cramps, and/or diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Muscle twitching
  • Confusion, coma, and/or seizures

• Ask patients presenting with symptoms consistent with mushroom toxicity about mushroom consumption.    
  • Collect and record information about when and where the mushrooms were purchased or sourced, what they looked like, and if they have any remaining mushrooms in their possession.
• Consult with California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for assistance managing patients with suspected mushroom toxicity.

•   Report mushroom toxicity cases to the County of Monterey Health Department by calling 831-755-4521 during normal business hours and 831-755-5100 outside of normal business hours.
  • Quick reporting will facilitate early interventions, when appropriate, and prevent additional illnesses.

For more information about mushroom toxicity, please consult UpToDate and other reputable sources on managing patients with mushroom toxicity.  For more information about reporting suspected cases, please contact the County of Monterey Health Department’s Communicable Disease Unit at 831-755-4521.