California health officials warn against foraging amid poisonings linked to deadly mushroom At least three deaths, three liver transplants and 35 poisonings occurred in California (Nov. 18 to Jan. 4) due to the lethal death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), far exceeding the state’s usual annual average of fewer than five cases. Death caps contain amatoxins, which destroy liver and kidney cells – cooking, drying or freezing does not neutralize the poison. Even a sugar cube-sized dose can be fatal. Initial symptoms (nausea, vomiting) appear within 24 hours, followed by a false recovery period before organ failure sets in. Children and pets…

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