1 dead after mushroom poisoning in Utah, ‘first case ever in the state’

Ryan Bittan, ABC4

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — One person is dead after they ingested what they believed to be psychedelic mushrooms in Utah, according to the Utah Poison Control Center.

“The Utah Poison Control Center was recently notified about a possible case of amatoxin (mushroom) induced liver failure and death,” a press release from the poison control center states. “The patient reportedly ingested psychedelic mushrooms purchased on the street.”

After eating the mushrooms, the individual reportedly began to experience severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Their condition worsened, experiencing “fulminant liver failure, acidosis, and hypotension,” the release states.

The individual died around 36 hours later, officials said.

According to the poison control center, many species of mushrooms have the hepatotoxins (toxic substances that damage the liver) called “amatoxins” — Amanita, Galerina, and Lepiota mushrooms — but only the Galerina species is known to grow in Utah. Normally, psychedelic mushrooms do not cause liver damage, and officials said it is “highly unusual” for hepatotoxic mushrooms to be mistaken for psychedelic mushrooms.

The center has not had any confirmed cases of amatoxin-induced liver failure ever in Utah.

“If you have a case of unexplained acute liver failure, inquire about recent mushroom use and call the poison center at any time 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222,” the release from the poison control center states. “And remember, with common things being common, acetaminophen toxicity is the most likely cause of acute liver failure in the United States.”