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

[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/

[SWBTATTReg]

1. Yikes!

[hlthe2b]

2. Tragic. The Midwest is known for its Morel mushrooms in early spring @ a lot of hunters (my father/uncles included)

Honestly? The BEST thing I ever ate ( I was so damned young but to this day I can remember). Lightly fried and maybe a tiny bit breaded, but it was all mushroom.

But when I read about these poisonings, it just sends shivers down my spine. Obviously, my male family members were taught by those who had experience, but...

But, still... The BEST thing I ever tasted!