Health officials reported a third person has died in California following a series of poisonings from wild, foraged mushrooms since November. A total of 35 people across the state have been poisoned, leading to three liver transplants in addition to the fatalities.

The latest death was reported last week by health officials in Sonoma County. Michael Stacey, Sonoma County's interim health officer, attributed the surge in poisonings and deaths to an unusual proliferation of death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides). He noted that the state typically sees fewer than five mushroom poisoning cases annually.

Stacey explained that early rains and a mild fall season have contributed to the abundance of toxic death cap mushrooms, particularly in Northern California. He cautioned against consuming wild mushrooms gathered without expert identification, emphasizing that some harmful varieties can closely resemble edible mushrooms, even to experienced foragers.

Craig Smollin, medical director for the San Francisco division of the California Poison Control System, echoed this sentiment in an interview with Ars Technica, stressing the difficulty in distinguishing between safe and poisonous mushrooms.

The California Poison Control System provides resources and assistance for individuals who suspect they may have ingested poisonous mushrooms. They advise immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected. The recent increase in poisonings highlights the dangers associated with foraging for wild mushrooms without proper expertise.