‘Largest outbreak that we’ve seen in California.’ Death cap mushrooms linked to deaths, hospitalizations

California officials are warning Northern and Central Coast residents against foraging for mushrooms due to an outbreak of death cap mushrooms, linked to hospitalizations and deaths. The unusually wet December has led to an abundance of these highly toxic mushrooms, which can cause severe liver damage and death. Public health officials are urging people to avoid foraging for wild mushrooms, as many have mistakenly eaten the death cap. The outbreak is described as the largest in California's history, with 35 reported cases, including three fatalities and three liver transplants.