California's Mushroom Misfortune: A Deadly Mistake

California is facing a serious issue with deadly mushrooms. A man from Contra Costa County recently passed away after eating wild mushrooms. This is not an isolated incident. It's part of a bigger problem. There have been four deaths and 39 cases of poisoning in the last few months. The mushrooms causing these problems are the Death Cap and the Western Destroying Angel. They look and taste like safe mushrooms. This makes them very dangerous. People who are new to California might mistake them for safe ones from their home country.Health officials are warning everyone to be careful. They say the best way to stay safe is to avoid eating wild mushrooms. If someone does eat a poisonous mushroom, they might not feel sick right away. Symptoms can take six to 24 hours to appear. Early signs include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. In serious cases, it can lead to liver damage, seizures, or even death. Dr. Monica Gandhi, an expert from UC San Francisco, says the Death Cap is the deadliest mushroom in the world. Cooking or freezing it doesn't make it safe. Even a small amount can be fatal. This outbreak is unusual. Health officials say it's the largest they've seen in California. They've issued warnings and advisories to help people stay safe. The best advice? Don't eat wild mushrooms.