Khaberni - An unprecedented wave of diseases caused by poisonous fungi has shaken California, USA, after recorded deaths and mass injuries related to the consumption of highly toxic wild mushrooms amidst increasing health warnings about the risks of collecting mushrooms from nature.
According to a report published by the British newspaper "The Guardian," the state has seen a sharp rise in mushroom poisoning cases between late November 2025 and early February 2026, with 4 deaths and 40 hospital admissions due to the consumption of dangerous types of mushrooms, a figure described by health authorities as unprecedented compared to the usual annual rate which typically does not exceed less than 5 cases annually.
Widespread outbreak of fungi after a wet winter
The wet winter in California led to a significant increase in the growth of wild fungi, known among mushroom enthusiasts as a mushroom boom, but amid edible types such as chanterelles and porcini, a highly toxic mushroom known as "death cap" emerged, raising broad concerns among health authorities.
Victims of various ages and liver transplant cases
According to data reported by The Associated Press, the injuries included people ranging from 19 months to 67 years old, including a couple of seasonal farm workers from Oaxaca, Mexico.
Several victims were forced to undergo liver transplants due to the severe damage caused by the poison.
Concern and warnings from experts
Fungal scientist Rudy Diaz said the poisoning wave stirred a state of concern among residents, noting that just seeing people inspecting mushrooms in nature is now seen as risky behavior.
However, despite this, fungal experts maintain that experienced enthusiasts are not panicking, as finding mushrooms in Southern California requires precise knowledge of the terrain and local environment, which most collectors already have a basic scientific understanding of the local species.
Difficulty distinguishing between poisonous and safe mushrooms
The poisonous mushroom resembles some common edible types, with a diameter and height of about 15 centimeters, characterized by a greenish-gray cap and white plates.
The experts warn that consuming just half a cap could be enough for death, with death rates in some cases reaching 50%.
The mushroom is also a deadly threat to pets, especially dogs.
The epicenter of the outbreak in Salinas
The first 35 poisoning incidents were recorded in the coastal city of Salinas, which has a large Mexican-origin community where a culture of collecting wild mushrooms is prevalent, and experts believe some residents may have confused the poisonous mushroom with familiar edible types from their native countries.
The poisoning wave affected speakers of several languages, including Spanish, English, Mandarin, Russian, and Ukrainian, prompting health authorities to issue warning publications containing QR codes in 9 different languages.
Climate change as an aggravating factor for risks
Experts believe that climate change, especially increased rainfall seasons, leads to the emergence of poisonous mushroom species in areas where they had not previously appeared, increasing the chances of misidentification.
Another highly dangerous poisonous mushroom continues to spread in coastal areas until April, while the "death cap" season has ended in the south of the state but continues in the north.
Official warnings and safety guidelines
In turn, health agencies recommend buying mushrooms only from trusted stores, seeking immediate medical care if poisoning is suspected, and not relying on smartphone apps to determine the type of mushroom, but rather trying to learn in the field from experts and specialized societies before attempting to collect wild mushrooms.
It is noted that early symptoms of poisoning include stomach pain, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue, while serious liver damage might appear several days after consumption.
