Man dies after eating world’s ‘deadliest mushroom’ in California as health officials warn of ‘unprecedented outbreak’

A Northern California man has died after eating a toxic mushroom in an ‘unprecedented outbreak’ of the life-threatening fungus.

Health officials reported the death in Contra Costa County on January 27, marking the fourth victim of wild mushroom poisoning in the state since November.

‘We can confirm a county resident of Hispanic descent in his 60s died after eating wild mushrooms foraged at a regional park in Contra Costa County,’ a representative for Contra Costa Health told the Daily Mail.

‘Preliminary information indicates the man may have mistaken the mushroom for a variety that is edible in his home country.

‘Some edible mushrooms closely resemble toxic species found in California, including the Death Cap mushroom, which can be deadly even in small amounts.’

Death Caps are the ‘deadliest mushroom’ in the world, UC San Francisco infectious disease expert Dr. Monica Gandhi told SFGate.

Eating just one could cause liver damage, kidney damage, hallucinations, seizures and even death.

Like many toxic mushrooms, Death Caps look and taste similar to mushrooms found in grocery stores, reported the California Department of Public Health.

The Death Cap mushroom (pictured) can often be mistaken for edible mushrooms native to other countries

Officials said the victim seemed to have consumed a deadly mushroom he found in one of Contra Costa’s many regional parks. Pictured is Briones Regional Park

Between six and 24 hours after eating one, victims could experience stomach pain, nausea, a drop in blood pressure, fatigue and confusion.

The Death Cap does not usually pose a risk when touched, but officials recommend washing hands after contact.

The best way to stay safe is to avoid foraging and consuming wild mushrooms altogether.

‘Cooking or freezing doesn’t actually inactivate the toxin, and just like about a half a mushroom can kill someone,’ said Gandhi.

California is reportedly ‘experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of severe illness and deaths associated with people accidentally picking and eating Death Cap mushrooms.’

Since November, 39 cases have been reported across ten counties.

State officials said this could be the ‘largest outbreak’ of wild mushroom poisoning in California.

Approximately 60 percent of victims spoke Spanish as their primary language.

Immigrants are reportedly especially susceptible to toxic mushrooms because they can be mistaken for safe fungi in other countries.

Ingesting a Death Cap mushroom can lead to serious liver damage and even death

Death Cap mushrooms commonly grow in California’s rainy season near oak and pine trees. Pictured are oak trees near Briones Regional Park

Wild mushrooms are common statewide, especially after wet weather.

Northern California’s rainy season falls from October to April.

Death Cap mushrooms are particularly common in wooded areas near oak and pine trees, reported Richmond Side.

Contra Costa County is known for its sprawling mountains, forests and parks.