"An exceptionally wet December has contributed to an abundance of death cap mushrooms, or Amanita phalloides, on the Central Coast and Northern California, causing what officials describe as an unprecedented outbreak of severe illness and death among people who consume the fungi. Public health officials are issuing a second warning this winter, this time urging the public against foraging for wild mushrooms, noting that many people have mistakenly eaten the death cap that, when consumed, can cause severe liver damage and in some causes death."
"The California Department of Public health reported 35 death cap-related illness, including three fatalities and three liver transplants between Nov. 18 and Jan. 6. Affected people were between the ages of 19 months old and 67 years old. In a typical year, the California Poison Control Center may receive up to five cases of poisonous mushroom-related illness, according to authorities."
An exceptionally wet December produced an abundance of death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) across the Central Coast and Northern California, resulting in a major outbreak of severe illness and death among people who consume the fungi. Public health officials warn against foraging for wild mushrooms because many people have mistakenly eaten death caps, which cause diarrhea, vomiting, severe liver damage and death. Between Nov. 18 and Jan. 6, 35 death cap–related illnesses were reported, including three fatalities and three liver transplants. Affected ages ranged from 19 months to 67 years. Typical annual reports are up to five cases; the last major outbreak in 2016 involved 14 cases and several transplants.
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