Overview
- Sonoma County’s health department said a resident died over the past weekend after eating wild mushrooms.
- State officials reported 35 poisoning cases statewide between Nov. 18 and Jan. 4, including three deaths and three liver transplants.
- The California Department of Public Health previously issued an advisory urging people to stop foraging and consuming wild mushrooms.
- Toxic species such as the death cap can taste and smell normal, with symptoms often appearing 6 to 24 hours later after liver damage has begun.
- Mycology experts recommend hands‑on training and guided forays, warn against app‑based identifications, and note many parks prohibit foraging but offer educational hikes.