California is experiencing the largest known outbreak of deadly mushroom poisonings in U.S. history, with 47 confirmed cases, four deaths, and multiple liver transplants since November.
- The outbreak spans at least 12 counties, including Alameda, Monterey, and Napa, far exceeding the typical annual total of fewer than five cases. - Most poisonings are linked to amatoxin-containing mushrooms like death caps and western destroying angels, which resemble edible varieties.
- Symptoms appear 6 to 12 hours after consumption and include abdominal pain, vomiting, and liver failure; cooking does not neutralize toxins. - Health officials have launched multilingual warnings and urge residents to avoid all wild mushrooms and seek immediate medical care if ingestion is suspected.