Two young children were hospitalized Sunday after they apparently consumed chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms while on a family vacation, leaving them confused, suffering hallucinations and displaying severely dilated pupils.
The children, ages five and six, were brought to the Galilee Medical Center, where doctors conducted an initial evaluation. Medical staff determined that their breathing and cardiovascular functions were stable, though both children were experiencing significant neurological symptoms.
Doctors consulted with the National Poison Information Center and came to suspect poisoning caused by Psilocybe/Panaeolus mushrooms. The mushrooms contain psychoactive compounds capable of triggering hallucinations and increased blood pressure and, in more serious cases, seizures and heart-related complications.
Because doctors were concerned that additional symptoms could emerge, both children were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, where they were placed under close observation and monitoring.
Dr. Sally Mahoum, a physician at the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Center, said: “The children arrived in a state of confusion, with dilated pupils and active hallucinations. We immediately took steps to stabilize them and, in coordination with the National Poison Information Center, began treatment and monitoring. Due to the unpredictable nature of this type of poisoning, they were transferred for continued observation in the pediatric intensive care unit.”
Dr. Tzvi Sheleg, deputy director of the Galilee Medical Center, said: “This was a serious, life-threatening incident that, thus far, has ended without critical harm thanks to the parents’ alertness and the rapid treatment provided by our medical teams. We call on the public to exercise the utmost responsibility, keep dangerous substances out of the reach of toddlers and children, and seek immediate medical attention whenever poisoning is suspected.”
