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California Warns: Avoid Foraging Wild Mushrooms Amid Poisoning Outbreak

12/9/2025

26 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

California health officials warn residents to avoid foraging wild mushrooms after a death cap poisoning outbreak, noting death cap mushrooms can be confused with safe varieties and that wet weather has increased the risk.
As of December 6, one adult has died.
Twenty-one people have amatoxin poisoning.
Several patients, including children, suffer severe liver damage.
Cooking or freezing does not remove the toxins.

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Story summary

California health officials warn residents to avoid foraging wild mushrooms after a death cap poisoning outbreak, noting death cap mushrooms can be confused with safe varieties and that wet weather has increased the risk.
As of December 6, one adult has died.
Twenty-one people have amatoxin poisoning.
Several patients, including children, suffer severe liver damage.
Cooking or freezing does not remove the toxins.