FOUR KILLED, THREE UNDERGO LIVER TRANSPLANTS AFTER CONSUMING DEATH CAP MUSHROOMS IN CALIFORNIA . (PHOTO).

 Four killed, three undergo liver transplants after consuming death cap mushrooms in California 

   Four people have died, and three others have required liver transplants after consuming death cap mushrooms in California, health officials reported. The highly toxic fungi, which have flourished this year following a rainy winter, are easily mistaken for edible varieties, prompting the California Department of Public Health to warn residents against foraging altogether.

Since November 18, more than three dozen cases of death cap poisoning have been documented, including the four fatalities and three transplants. Victims have ranged in age from 19 months to 67 years old, and many experienced rapid-onset liver injury, liver failure, and required intensive care. The death cap contains amatoxins, potent compounds responsible for 90% of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. Experts say the mushrooms are appearing in city parks, forests, and often near oak trees. Warm fall temperatures combined with early rains are fueling an unusual “super bloom” of the toxic fungi, leading to far more poisonings than the typical two to five cases per year.

Even small amounts of the mushroom can be deadly, and cooking, drying, or eating it raw does not reduce its toxicity. Symptoms can appear within 24 hours, including vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, and may temporarily subside before severe liver damage develops over two to three days. Many of the victims this season were Spanish, Mixteco, and Mandarin Chinese speakers, leading the state to expand warnings in multiple languages. Children and pets are particularly at risk, and officials urge people to only consume mushrooms from trusted stores or sellers.

Those who suspect they have ingested a poisonous mushroom are urged to seek medical attention immediately. U.S. Poison Centers have reported a 40% increase in mushroom-related exposures across all varieties this season. For emergencies or questions, people can contact Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or visit PoisonHelp.org.