Danger from Wild Mushrooms: What Learners Should Know

In California three people died and thirty-five people got sick between November 18 and January 5. The dangerous mushrooms include the death cap, Amanita phalloides. These mushrooms can look like safe ones and cooking does not make them safe. Early rains and mild weather caused more mushrooms to grow in some areas.

Do not eat wild mushrooms. Symptoms start with stomach pain, vomiting, and watery diarrhea six to twenty-four hours after eating. People may feel better for a short time, but the liver can still be damaged. Some patients needed intensive care and a few had liver transplants. Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 or go to a hospital if you have these symptoms.