Two Children Hospitalized After Consuming Hallucinogenic Mushroom-Infused Chocolate in Northern Israel

Two young boys, aged five and a half and six and a half, were admitted to the pediatric emergency department at Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya on August 16 after ingesting chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms during a family vacation. Upon arrival, the children exhibited severe neurological symptoms including significantly dilated pupils and active hallucinations. Initial assessments confirmed stable respiratory and hemodynamic status, but consultation with the National Poison Information Center raised suspicion of poisoning by Psilocybe or Panaeolus mushrooms, known to cause hallucinations, elevated blood pressure, seizures, and potential cardiac damage.

The medical team promptly initiated treatment and continuous monitoring, transferring the children to the pediatric intensive care unit for close observation due to the unpredictable nature of such poisonings. Dr. Sally Machum, a pediatric emergency physician, described the children’s confused state and emphasized the immediate stabilization efforts coordinated with the poison center. Dr. Zvi Sheleg, deputy director of the medical center, called the incident a serious and life-threatening event that was fortunately resolved without critical harm thanks to the parents’ vigilance and rapid medical response.

Authorities urged the public to exercise extreme caution by keeping hazardous substances out of children’s reach and to seek urgent medical care if poisoning is suspected. This case highlights the dangers posed by accidental ingestion of psychoactive substances hidden in common foods, especially among young children.