Two Children Hospitalized in Nahariya After Consuming Hallucinogenic Mushroom Chocolate

Two young boys, aged five and six, were rushed to the pediatric emergency department at the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya on Sunday after ingesting chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms during a family vacation. Upon arrival, the children exhibited severely dilated pupils and hallucinations but were stable in terms of breathing and heart function. Initial assessments raised suspicion of poisoning from Psilocybe or Panaeolus mushrooms, which contain active compounds that can induce hallucinations, increase blood pressure, and in severe cases cause seizures and cardiac damage.

Following consultation with the National Poison Information Center, the children were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for close monitoring due to the risk of worsening symptoms. Dr. Sally Mahum, a pediatric emergency physician, described the children’s condition as confused with active hallucinations and dilated pupils, emphasizing the immediate stabilization and ongoing treatment coordinated with poison control. Dr. Zvi Sheleg, deputy director of the Galilee Medical Center, called the incident serious and potentially life-threatening but noted no critical damage had occurred thanks to the parents’ vigilance and prompt medical response.

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