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. 2025 Jun 16;20(6):e0326107.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0326107. eCollection 2025.

Mushroom poisoning deaths and prevention practices in Hunan, 2014-2023

Shilan Wu  1 , Qiang Wang  1 , Hongbo Duan  1 , Jiahao Xiong  1 , Tianbing Lai  1 , Chune Wang  1 , Jinjun Liang  1 , Huayun Jia  1
Affiliations

Mushroom poisoning deaths and prevention practices in Hunan, 2014-2023

Shilan Wu et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: Wild mushroom poisoning is a major cause of foodborne illness-related deaths in Hunan Province. By analyzing the epidemiological characteristics of fatal incidents due to wild mushroom poisoning in Hunan Province over the past decade and preventive measures implemented in recent years, in this study, we aimed to provide insights for nationwide prevention and control of wild mushroom poisoning, focusing on reducing mortality.

Methods: Data from the "Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System" in Hunan Province were used to describe the characteristics of wild mushroom poisoning. Kernel density analysis was performed using ArcMap 10.8.1 to identify spatial clustering.

Results: It showed that from 2014 to 2023, 80 fatal wild mushroom poisoning incidents and 111 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 1.5%, were reported in Hunan Province. June (40 events, 50.0%) and August (17 events, 21.3%) are the peak periods for wild mushroom poisoning. The species most frequently associated with fatal poisoning were Russula subnigricans (20 events, 25.0%), Amanita fuliginea (18 events, 22.5%), and Amanita rimosa (11 events, 13.5%). Kernel density analysis indicated that the fatalities were primarily concentrated in the central and eastern regions of Hunan Province. All (100%) fatal incidence collected from households with poisoning caused by accidental harvesting and consumption. Rural areas accounted for 93.8% of the fatal incidents. The highest proportion of deaths (48.7%) occurred in the age group of 60 years and above.

Conclusion: Fatalities due to wild mushroom poisoning incidents exhibit seasonal and regional variations. We call for multi-sectoral collaboration in prevention and control efforts, focusing on key populations, regions, and time to conduct public education and promotion and ensure smooth access to medical care, which are crucial strategies for preventing wild mushroom poisoning incidents and reducing mortality.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Spatial distribution of wild mushroom poisoning fatalities in Hunan Province.
The map displays the results of kernel density estimation. Red areas indicate high clustering intensity, with darker shades representing higher density values. Conversely, blue areas represent low clustering intensity, where case occurrences are sparser.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Morphology of “Russula subnigricans” (lethally toxic).
Image source: Atlas of Common Poisonous Mushrooms in Hunan, Hunan CDC [11]. The original image was cropped for clarity.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Morphology of “Amanita fuliginea” (lethally toxic)
. Image source: Atlas of Common Poisonous Mushrooms in Hunan, Hunan CDC [11]. The original image was cropped for clarity.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Morphology of “Amanita rimosa” (lethally toxic).
Image source: Atlas of Common Poisonous Mushrooms in Hunan, Hunan CDC [11]. The original image was cropped for clarity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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