Deadly Outbreak of Toxic Wild Mushrooms in California

Four dead, 39 sickened after eating death cap mushrooms

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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California health officials are urging people to avoid eating wild mushrooms after a deadly outbreak linked to death cap mushrooms. Four people have died and 39 have been sickened by the highly toxic mushrooms, which can resemble edible varieties and cause severe illness and organ damage.

Why it matters

The death cap mushroom is one of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world, and this outbreak highlights the dangers of foraging for wild mushrooms without expert knowledge. The scale of the outbreak, with nearly 40 people affected, is highly unusual and concerning for public health officials.

The details

The death cap mushrooms were likely mistaken for edible varieties after the recent rainy season in California. The mushrooms can cause severe symptoms including stomach pain, vomiting, liver and kidney damage, and even death. Three people have required liver transplants after ingesting the mushrooms. Health officials warn the mushrooms remain toxic even after cooking, boiling, freezing or drying.

  • The outbreak began in early 2026 after heavy rains in California.

The players

California Department of Public Health

The state public health agency that issued warnings about the deadly mushroom outbreak.

Dr. Craig Smollin

Medical director for the San Francisco Division of the California Poison Control System, who noted the difficulty in distinguishing death cap mushrooms from edible varieties.

Laura Marcelino

A California resident who was sickened after mistaking the death cap mushrooms for edible varieties.

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What they’re saying

“We thought to ourselves, it's the rainy season, and like back in our town, people pick up the mushrooms. It's food, but we didn't think it was poisonous.”

— Laura Marcelino (KSBW)

“Unless you're an expert who studies mushrooms it can be very difficult to know [the difference].”

— Dr. Craig Smollin, Medical director, San Francisco Division of the California Poison Control System (CNN)

What’s next

Health officials are continuing to investigate the outbreak and warn the public to avoid consuming any wild mushrooms.

The takeaway

This deadly mushroom outbreak underscores the importance of only consuming wild mushrooms under the guidance of an expert, as even experienced foragers can mistake highly toxic varieties for edible ones. The scale of this incident highlights the need for greater public education around the dangers of wild mushroom consumption.