Overview
- State poison control has identified 21 suspected amatoxin cases, most likely from death cap mushrooms, officials said Friday.
- One adult has died, several patients are in intensive care, and at least one is being evaluated for a liver transplant.
- Clusters have been reported in Monterey County and the San Francisco Bay Area, though the risk extends statewide.
- Wet weather has spurred death cap growth, and experts say cooking or appearance cannot make these mushrooms safe.
- Californians are urged to avoid foraging and to call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.