Wild mushrooms have sickened 21 people in California with amatoxin poisoning, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Those sickened have severe liver damage, and one adult died. The patients include adults and children. Significant clusters are in the San Francisco Bay and Monterey areas, although the risk is statewide. Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, said in a statement, "Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure. Because the death cap can easily be mistaken for edible safe mushrooms, we advise the public not to forage for wild mushrooms at all during this high-risk season." Mushroom identification can be tricky, and even experts can be fooled. Many toxic mushrooms such as the death … [Read more...]