Two Toddlers Hospitalized After Consuming Hallucinogenic Mushroom Chocolate in Israel

Two young children, aged 5 and 6, were urgently admitted to the pediatric emergency department at Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya on Sunday after ingesting chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms during a family vacation. Upon arrival, the children exhibited significantly dilated pupils and hallucinations but were found to be stable in terms of breathing and circulation. Neurological symptoms prompted suspicion of poisoning by Psilocybe or Panaeolus mushrooms, known to cause hallucinations, increased blood pressure, and in severe cases, seizures and cardiac issues.

Following consultation with the National Poison Information Center, the children were hospitalized for close monitoring in the pediatric intensive care unit due to the risk of symptom progression. Dr. Sally Machum, a pediatric emergency physician, described the children’s initial confusion and active hallucinations and emphasized the immediate stabilization and ongoing observation. Dr. Zvi Sheleg, deputy director of the medical center, called the incident serious and potentially life-threatening but noted that thanks to parental vigilance and prompt medical care, no critical damage occurred.

The medical center urged the public to exercise extreme caution by keeping dangerous substances out of children’s reach and seeking immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected.