Record Mushroom Poisoning Outbreak Hits California

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.