California officials warn foragers after wild mushroom poisoning outbreak

Main Idea: California officials are warning people not to forage wild mushrooms after a poisoning outbreak killed one adult and caused severe liver damage in several others.

Key Points:

• State health officials say 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning have been linked to wild mushrooms, likely death caps.
• Death cap mushrooms can look like safe edible mushrooms, which makes them easy to mistake for food.
• Several patients needed intensive care, and at least one may need a liver transplant.
• Officials say the risk is especially high in wet weather and urge people to avoid wild mushroom foraging and call poison control if exposure happens.