Overview
- State and poison-control officials have logged 35 cases since Nov. 18, with the latest reported in early January and most in the Bay Area and Central Coast.
- Three adults have died and three people required emergency liver transplants, and one patient remains hospitalized with significant liver injury.
- Authorities link the surge to widespread fruiting of Amanita phalloides after recent rains, noting the mushrooms closely resemble edible varieties.
- Amatoxins are not neutralized by cooking, boiling, freezing, or drying, and even a single bite can cause severe toxicity.
- Symptoms often begin 6–24 hours after ingestion with vomiting and diarrhea before potential liver failure within 48–96 hours, and officials urge anyone concerned to call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.