California Faces Record Death Cap Outbreak From Foraged Mushrooms
A very wet December spurred a record spread of death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) across California, causing 35 poisonings, including three deaths and three liver transplants, from Nov. 18 to Jan. 6 across multiple counties. Officials warn against foraging for wild mushrooms, noting many cases involve misidentified fungi and readers from diverse language backgrounds. Death cap toxins can cause delayed symptoms and progressive liver damage; if poisoning is suspected, call California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or dial 911.