"Officials in Contra Costa County reported the death on Tuesday. The case is the latest in an "unprecedented outbreak" of wild mushroom poisonings due to Amanita phalloides or "death cap" mushrooms that have sickened 39 people and left four dead in California since November. Earlier this month, health officials from across the state warned residents to avoid foraging for mushrooms and said this might be the largest outbreak of wild mushroom-related poisoning in California."
"The "death cap" mushrooms look similar to edible mushrooms but contain a dangerous toxin that can injure the liver. After eating the poisonous mushrooms, people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, within six to 24 hours. But even if those initial symptoms subside, the toxins in the mushroom can start to affect the liver. This can result in liver damage that requires hospitalization within days or even a liver transplant."
A Contra Costa man in his 60s died after ingesting wild mushrooms, representing the fourth recent fatality linked to wild mushroom consumption. An unprecedented outbreak of Amanita phalloides, known as death cap mushrooms, has sickened 39 people and killed four in California since November. Death cap mushrooms closely resemble edible varieties yet contain a potent toxin that damages the liver. Initial gastrointestinal symptoms can appear within six to 24 hours, but liver injury may emerge days later and can require hospitalization or even a liver transplant. Health officials advise against foraging and recommend watching for yellowing skin, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and confusion.
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