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

Two young children, aged five and a half and six and a half, were admitted to the pediatric emergency department at the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya on August 16 after ingesting chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms during a family vacation. Upon arrival, the children exhibited severely dilated pupils and active hallucinations, symptoms indicative of neurological involvement. 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.

Due to the risk of worsening symptoms, the children were admitted 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 prompt stabilization and treatment coordinated with the poison center. Dr. Zvi Sheleg, deputy director of the medical center, called the incident severe and life-threatening but noted that thanks to parental vigilance and rapid medical response, no critical harm occurred. He urged the public to keep dangerous substances out of children’s reach and seek immediate medical care if poisoning is suspected.