Death Cap Mushrooms Spreading in California After Rains, Causing Multiple Deaths and Liver Transplants

Authorities warn against foraging for mushrooms this year as Death Cap variety proliferates across the state.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 3:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

At least three people have died and three others have required liver transplants after eating the highly toxic Death Cap mushroom, which is spreading rapidly across California following a rainy winter. The California Department of Public Health is urging people to avoid mushroom foraging altogether this year due to the risk of mistaking the Death Cap for a safe, edible variety.

Why it matters

The Death Cap mushroom is one of the most poisonous in the world, and its proliferation in California following heavy rains has led to a spike in serious and even fatal poisonings. This highlights the dangers of foraging for wild mushrooms, especially for those unfamiliar with identifying safe versus toxic varieties, and the need for greater public awareness and caution.

The details

Since November 18, there have been at least three dozen cases of mushroom poisonings reported in California, with many victims suffering from rapidly evolving acute liver injury and failure. Several patients required intensive care and liver transplants. The victims have ranged in age from 19 months to 67 years old. Experts warn that the Death Cap's appearance does not reliably indicate its toxicity, and cooking the mushrooms does not make them safe to eat.

  • Since November 18, there have been at least three dozen cases of mushroom poisonings reported.
  • Death Cap mushrooms typically flourish in California between November and March, though not usually to this extent.

The players

California Department of Public Health

The state agency that issued a public health warning about the dangers of Death Cap mushrooms and urged people to avoid foraging for mushrooms this year.

Laura Marcelino

A 36-year-old woman from Salinas, California who gathered mushrooms that turned out to be Death Caps, leading to her and her husband becoming seriously ill, with her husband requiring a liver transplant.

Craig Smollin

The medical director for the San Francisco division of the California Poison Control System and an emergency medicine professor at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Death Cap mushrooms tend to flourish between November and March in the state, though not usually to this extent.”

— Craig Smollin, medical director for the San Francisco division of the California Poison Control System and an emergency medicine professor at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center (Associated Press)

What’s next

The California Department of Public Health is expanding its warnings about the dangers of Death Cap mushrooms in multiple languages to reach more residents.

The takeaway

This spike in Death Cap mushroom poisonings underscores the critical need for public awareness and caution when it comes to foraging for wild mushrooms, as even experienced foragers can mistake highly toxic varieties for safe ones. It also highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if someone suspects they have ingested a poisonous mushroom.