They look delightful but California hospital warns against eating these poisonous mushrooms

Chris Biderman
·2 min read
2

A colorful mushroom is causing problems in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

According to Barton Health, the fly agaric mushroom — amanita muscaria — is sprouting throughout the area and causing health issues for children and pets. Eating the red- and white-gilled mushroom can lead to stomach and neurological issues, according to a news release from the South Lake Tahoe hospital.

Amanita muscaria resembles the famous mushrooms from the Super Mario Bros. video games franchise, and is growing because of this year’s exceptionally cool and wet conditions in the Sierra Nevada.

“A small number of patients have recently presented in our emergency department after having ingested these amanita mushrooms,” Dr. Kendra Yee, an emergency physician at Barton Health, said. “All were children.”

Yee said mushroom poisoning symptoms typically appear within an hour and peak within three. They can last as long as 24 hours if the toxic properties enter the gastrointestinal tract.

“Symptoms may include headaches, abdominal distress, hallucinations, sleepiness, diarrhea, and vomiting,” Yee said. “In severe cases, liver and kidney damage can occur.”

Fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria) are seen in the field in a photo provided by the U.S. Forest Service. A Lake Tahoe hospital is warning area residents to avoid the mushrooms, which can cause gastrointestinal and neurological problems when consumed.
Fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria) are seen in the field in a photo provided by the U.S. Forest Service. A Lake Tahoe hospital is warning area residents to avoid the mushrooms, which can cause gastrointestinal and neurological problems when consumed.

Barton Health has not reported any deaths from mushroom poising in the past year and considers deaths rare because it would require a “large consumption” of poisonous mushrooms.” Children, elderly and those dealing with chronic disease are more susceptible.

According to a study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidental mushroom poisoning leads to nearly 1,400 emergency room visits each year. The report says roughly one-tenth of such patients experience serious health issues — such as irregular heartbeat, kidney or liver failure and seizure.

Gathering wild mushrooms is a popular hobby across Northern California and the Tahoe region, but mushrooms should not be eaten without confirmation by an expert that they are safe. Anyone who has eaten a potentially poisonous mushroom should call Poison Control at 800-222-1222, dial 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.