'Largest outbreak that we've seen in California.' Death cap mushrooms linked to deaths, hospitalizations
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- An unusually wet December has led to a surge in death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) on California's Central Coast and Northern California, causing a record outbreak of severe illness, liver damage, and deaths among those who consumed them.
- From November 18 to January 6, California reported 35 cases of death cap-related illness, including three deaths and three liver transplants, marking the deadliest season in 26 years, with affected individuals ranging from 19 months to 67 years old.
- Many victims are immigrants from Mexico and other countries who mistake the death cap for edible mushrooms similar to those from their native regions, leading to a false sense of security in foraging practices.
- Death cap mushrooms thrive
