Monterey County issues warning after hospitals report rise in wild mushroom poisonings [View all]

[Eugene]

Source: CBS San Francisco

Monterey County issues warning after hospitals report rise in wild mushroom poisonings

By Tim Fang
Updated on: December 4, 2025 / 8:17 AM PST / CBS San Francisco

Officials in Monterey County have issued a warning to people foraging for wild mushrooms amid a rise in poisonings.

The Monterey County Health Department announced Monday that hospitals in the area have reported an increase in illnesses from people eating poisonous wild mushrooms not cultivated by commercial growers.

"Only people with extensive training and experience should eat wild mushrooms that they have picked themselves," health officer Dr. Edward Moreno said in a statement.

Officials said consuming wild mushrooms can cause abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, the mushrooms can lead to liver damage or even death. Some poisonous mushrooms look and smell like ones that are edible.

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Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/monterey-county-wild-mushroom-poisoning-hospitals-report/