Mushroom Poisoning Outbreaks - China, 2024

Area of Science:

• Food safety
• Mycology
• Public health

Background:

• Mushroom poisoning poses a serious food safety risk in China.
• China CDC has investigated outbreaks since 2019, mapping distribution and species diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report findings from the 2024 China CDC investigation into mushroom poisoning incidents.
• To detail the epidemiology, identified species, and clinical types of mushroom poisoning in China.

Main Methods:

• Nationwide investigation of mushroom poisoning incidents in 2024.
• Data collection on affected individuals, geographical distribution, and mushroom species involved.

Main Results:

• 599 incidents, 1,486 patients, 13 deaths (0.87% CFR) across 28 provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs).
• 110 poisonous mushroom species identified, causing 7 distinct clinical disease types.
• 8 new poisonous mushroom species documented in China.

Conclusions:

• Accurate mushroom species identification and toxin analysis are vital for public health.
• Prompt clinical type confirmation is essential for effective patient management and control of poisoning outbreaks.