Back

Sonoma County Resident Dies After Wild Mushroom Poisoning

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • A Sonoma County resident died after eating wild mushrooms
  • California recorded 35 wild mushroom poisoning cases since November 2025
  • Health officials have advised against consuming wild mushrooms

A recent fatality in Sonoma County has drawn attention to a series of wild mushroom poisoning incidents reported across California over the past two months.

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services reported that a local resident died last weekend following the consumption of wild mushrooms. This incident is part of a broader pattern of poisoning cases that have occurred in various parts of the state since mid-November 2025.

Between November 18, 2025 and January 4, 2026, California saw 35 recorded cases of wild mushroom poisoning. These incidents resulted in three deaths and three individuals requiring liver transplants, according to information from county health authorities.

Health officials, including those from the California Department of Public Health, have issued advisories urging the public to avoid eating wild mushrooms, especially during what they describe as a high-risk season for such poisonings.

What the numbers show

  • 35 wild mushroom poisoning cases in California from November 18, 2025 to January 4, 2026
  • Three deaths and three liver transplants linked to these cases
  • 21 amatoxin poisoning cases, including one fatality, identified between mid-November and early December 2025
  • Fewer than five wild mushroom poisoning cases occur statewide in an average year

The California Poison Control System identified 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning tied to foraged wild mushrooms between mid-November and early December 2025. These included one adult death and several instances of severe liver damage.

Clusters of poisoning cases have been noted in both the Monterey County and San Francisco Bay Area regions. These areas have experienced multiple reports of illness connected to wild mushroom consumption during the current season.

Health authorities have stated that the number of poisoning cases in recent months is much higher than the typical annual average. In most years, fewer than five cases of wild mushroom poisoning are reported across the state.

Officials continue to advise residents to avoid collecting and eating wild mushrooms. The advisories emphasize that some toxic varieties can closely resemble edible species, increasing the risk of accidental poisoning.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

Sources and further reading

Related Articles

  1. Running enhances brain health by boosting neuroplasticity, improving executive functions, and increasing hippocampus...

  2. Reported outcomes indicate fecal microbiota transplants may affect treatment for auto-brewery syndrome, highlighted by a Belgian patient's recovery.

  3. Study finds rapid weight regain after stopping weight-loss medications, with health benefits diminishing in just 1.4...

  4. UK bans junk food adverts before 9pm on TV and all day online, aiming to reduce childhood obesity and improve health.

  5. Studies suggest adult vaccines may lower dementia risk, with shingles vaccine linked to 20% fewer cases in Wales.

More on Health

  1. Research indicates that higher fiber intake may improve sleep quality, with dietary changes linked to shifts in gut bacteria and sleep patterns.

  2. Recent approvals for oral Wegovy and pediatric use may affect treatment options for chronic diseases and obesity in adolescents and adults.

  3. Research by Joel Habener on GLP-1 peptides has influenced diabetes and obesity treatments, impacting global medical practices. He was 88.

  4. Processing delays for PIP claims lead to financial strain, with some individuals waiting over a year for decisions.

  5. Flu hospitalizations in England rose 9% last week, pushing overall bed occupancy to nearly 92% amid winter pressures.