California is experiencing a terrifying surge in death cap mushroom poisonings, resulting in four fatalities and requiring three victims to undergo emergency liver transplants. This rainy winter has led to an unprecedented “super bloom” of one of the world’s most dangerous fungi, prompting the California Department of Public Health to issue urgent warnings against foraging entirely this year.
Typically, California sees only two to five death cap poisonings in an entire year. Since November 18, however, health officials have reported nearly 40 cases of poisoning. According to AP News, Dr. Craig Smollin, medical director for the San Francisco Division of the California Poison Control System, noted that having almost 40 cases is very unusual.
