Two Children Hospitalized After Consuming Hallucinogenic Mushroom Chocolate During Family Vacation

Two young children, aged 5.5 and 6.5 years, were urgently admitted to the pediatric emergency department at Galilee Medical Center after ingesting chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms during a family vacation. Upon arrival, the children exhibited significantly dilated pupils and hallucinations but were stable in terms of breathing and circulation. Initial assessment revealed neurological symptoms, prompting consultation with the National Poison Information Center. The suspected poisoning involved Psilocybe or Panaeolus mushrooms, known to cause hallucinations, increased blood pressure, and in severe cases, seizures and cardiac complications.

Due to the risk of worsening symptoms, both children were hospitalized for close monitoring in the pediatric intensive care unit. Dr. Sally Mahum, a pediatric emergency physician, described the children’s condition as confused with active hallucinations and emphasized the immediate stabilization and ongoing monitoring coordinated with the poison center. Dr. Zvi Sheleg, deputy director of Galilee Medical Center, called the incident serious and potentially life-threatening but noted the outcome was favorable thanks to parental vigilance and prompt medical intervention. He urged the public to keep dangerous substances away from young children and seek immediate medical care if poisoning is suspected.