Wild mushroom poisonings in California have surged, with 35 cases and three deaths reported since November. The spike centers on death cap mushrooms (*Amanita phalloides*), a species that thrives in early rains and mild temperatures. Amatoxin in these fungi blocks mRNA transcription, causing rapid liver failure. Health officials in Sonoma County say the latest fatality last week marks the third death and third liver transplant in the state. Michael Stacey, the county’s interim health officer, warned that foragers risk mistaking the deadly caps for edible varieties. Craig Smollin, medical director of the California Poison Control System (CPCS) and emergency medicine professor at UCSF Medical Center, notes that symptoms appear 6‑24 hours after ingestion and can progress to fatal liver damage within 48‑96 hours.

CPCS urges the public to avoid wild mushroom foraging and has launched outreach in immigrant communities. Authorities plan additional signage in high‑risk areas and a media briefing later this week.