Two Children Hospitalized in Northern Israel After Consuming Hallucinogenic Mushroom Chocolate

Two young boys, aged 5.5 and 6.5 years, were urgently admitted to a northern Israeli hospital after ingesting chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms during a family vacation. Upon arrival at the Galilee Medical Center, the children exhibited severely dilated pupils and active hallucinations but were initially stable in terms of breathing and circulation. Medical staff suspected poisoning from psilocybin or panellus mushrooms, known to cause hallucinations, increased blood pressure, seizures, and potentially cardiac damage.

Following consultation with the National Poison Information Center, the children were transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit for close monitoring due to the risk of worsening symptoms. Dr. Sally Mahum, an emergency pediatrician, described the children’s condition as confused with active hallucinations and emphasized the immediate stabilization and ongoing treatment efforts. Dr. Zvi Sheleg, deputy director of the medical center, highlighted the severity of the incident and praised the parents’ vigilance and the medical team’s rapid response, urging the public to keep dangerous substances away from children and seek prompt medical care if poisoning is suspected.

This incident is not isolated; previous cases have involved accidental exposure to hazardous substances by children, including a notable case where the U.S. Treasury Secretary accidentally consumed hallucinogenic mushrooms without symptoms. The current case underscores the potentially fatal risks of hallucinogenic mushroom exposure in children and the critical importance of preventing access to such substances. Thanks to swift medical intervention, the children have avoided critical harm so far.