(KRON) — Health officials in Napa County are warning the public about the dangers associated with eating wild mushrooms after three people were hospitalized over the weekend. The three ate poisonous wild mushrooms that were foraged in the Deer Park area.
There have been nearly 50 cases and four deaths in California linked to eating toxic wild mushrooms since Nov. 18, 2025, according to Napa County Public Health.
“Recent rains have contributed to the resurgence of poisonous wild mushrooms in California, including in Napa,” said the county’s Public Health Officer, Dr. Christine Wu. “Poisonous mushrooms can look and taste similar to safe mushrooms, and even experienced mushroom hunters have been affected by this outbreak.”
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Common poisonous wild mushrooms that can grow in certain parts of California year-round include death angel, death cap and fly amanita.
Cooking, boiling, freezing or drying poisonous mushrooms will not make them safe to eat, wrote health officials. People experiencing symptoms of mushroom poisoning, such as abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting or diarrhea, are told to seek immediate medical attention.