In California, an alarming rise in cases of poisoning from death cap mushrooms has occurred, leading to four fatalities and three liver transplants. The California Department of Public Health urges people to avoid foraging these toxic mushrooms, which can be easily confused with safe varieties. Since November 18, over 30 cases of fatal poisoning have been reported, with symptoms often manifesting as rapid liver damage and requiring ICU admissions for many.
Death cap mushrooms are highly toxic and contain amatoxin, responsible for 90% of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. They thrive in city parks and forests, particularly under oak trees, following an unusually warm fall and early rains, resulting in a “superbloom.”
A recent incident involved a family from Salinas, where a couple mistakenly harvested these mushrooms, leading to severe illness and a liver transplant for one partner. Symptoms of poisoning include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which can escalate rapidly. The health department indicates that many cases involved individuals speaking Spanish and other languages, prompting expanded warnings.
Experts highlight the difficulty in distinguishing death caps from edible mushrooms and recommend purchasing fungi from trusted sources. They stress the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if mushroom poisoning is suspected. For emergencies, the U.S. Poison Control Center can be contacted for guidance.
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