Two Children Hospitalized After Eating Hallucinogenic Mushroom Chocolate in Israel

Two young boys, aged 5.5 and 6.5 years, were urgently admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at the Galilee Medical Center after consuming chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms during a family vacation. Upon arrival at the emergency department, the children exhibited severely dilated pupils and hallucinations but were stable in terms of breathing and circulation. Neurological symptoms prompted consultation with the National Poison Information Center, which suspected poisoning from Psilocybe or Panaeolus mushrooms, known to cause hallucinations, increased blood pressure, seizures, and potentially cardiac damage in severe cases.

Dr. Sally Mahum, a pediatric emergency physician, reported that the children arrived confused with active hallucinations and dilated pupils. Immediate stabilization and treatment began in coordination with the poison center, followed by continuous monitoring in the pediatric ICU due to the unpredictable nature of such poisonings. Dr. Zvi Sheleg, deputy director of the medical center, described the incident as serious and life-threatening but noted no critical damage had occurred thanks to the parents' vigilance and rapid medical response.

The hospital urged the public to exercise extreme caution by keeping hazardous substances out of children's reach and seeking immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected. This case highlights the dangers of accidental ingestion of toxic substances by children and the importance of prompt treatment.