California health officials are warning residents not to pick or eat wild mushrooms after a record surge in poisonings. Since November, 50 cases have been reported, including four deaths and four liver transplants.
- The surge is linked to accidental consumption of death cap and western destroying angel mushrooms. - Cases are concentrated in Northern California and the Central Coast, including Alameda, Napa, and Sonoma counties.
- An exceptionally wet winter and April rains contributed to the mushroom growth. - The death cap is responsible for 90% of mushroom-related fatalities worldwide.
Officials urge extreme caution and advise against foraging during this period of heightened risk.