Overview
- State data show 35 cases recorded between November 18 and January 4, with three patients requiring liver transplants.
- The cluster is concentrated in Northern California, including the Bay Area and nearby coastal and suburban communities.
- Investigations point to the death cap (Amanita phalloides) as the likely source, whose toxins can severely damage the liver and kidneys in small amounts.
- Toxic mushrooms are appearing in parks, schoolyards, residential gardens and sidewalks after recent rains, increasing accidental exposures.
- Authorities advise against consuming any wild mushrooms, recommend buying only from trusted retailers, and urge immediate medical care or calling California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if exposure is suspected.