California (January 15, 2026) — California health officials are warning residents to avoid foraging wild mushrooms following a deadly outbreak of poisonings linked to Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the “death cap” mushroom, which has sickened dozens of people across the state and resulted in multiple fatalities and liver transplants. According to the California Poison Control System and the California Department of Public Health, 35 confirmed cases of death cap mushroom poisoning were identified between November 18, 2025, and January 4, 2026.
State officials reported that the outbreak has caused severe illness, leading to at least three deaths and three liver transplants. Patients affected by the outbreak range in age from 19 months to 67 years, highlighting the risk the toxic mushrooms pose to both children and adults. Health authorities described the current situation as one of the most severe death cap mushroom poisoning outbreaks recorded in California.
The majority of cases have been concentrated in the San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey County, though hospitalizations have occurred across multiple Northern and Central California counties. Officials confirmed that cases have been identified in Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, and San Luis Obispo counties, indicating that the outbreak is geographically widespread.
Medical experts emphasized that death cap mushrooms are particularly dangerous because they closely resemble edible mushroom varieties and are easily mistaken by both inexperienced and seasoned foragers. Toxicologists with the California Poison Control System stated that there is no safe way to prepare or consume death cap mushrooms, as cooking, drying, freezing, or boiling does not neutralize the toxins. Even small amounts can result in severe liver failure.
Health officials explained that symptoms of poisoning often do not appear immediately. Initial symptoms typically begin six to 12 hours after ingestion and may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In some cases, symptoms may temporarily improve before more serious complications develop days later, including acute liver failure that can be fatal without transplantation.
During a press conference update, officials warned that the delayed onset of severe symptoms makes death cap poisonings particularly dangerous, as individuals may not seek medical care until significant organ damage has already occurred. Medical toxicologists reiterated that anyone who believes they may have consumed a wild mushroom should seek immediate medical attention or contact the California Poison Control System, even if symptoms have not yet appeared.
In response to the outbreak, the California Department of Public Health and the California Poison Control System have launched an expanded public outreach effort, distributing educational materials in multiple languages to warn residents about the dangers of wild mushroom foraging. Officials stressed that wild mushrooms should never be consumed unless purchased from reputable grocery stores or commercial vendors.
Public health authorities continue to monitor the situation and urged residents across California to remain vigilant during the peak mushroom growth season. Officials stated that avoiding wild mushroom consumption altogether is the most effective way to prevent additional illnesses and deaths linked to death cap mushroom poisonings.
