Two Toddlers Hospitalized After Eating Chocolate with Hallucinogenic Mushrooms

Two children, aged five and a half and six and a half, were evacuated to the pediatric emergency department at the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya after eating a chocolate praline containing hallucinogenic mushrooms during a vacation in Akhziv. They arrived with dilated pupils and active hallucinations, and the hospital suspected poisoning from Psilocybe or Panaeolus mushrooms. Due to the risk of additional symptoms, they were admitted for observation in the pediatric intensive care unit. Dr. Tzvi Sheleg, deputy director of the center, described the incident as severe and life-threatening that ended without critical injury.

Two children, aged five and a half and six and a half, from central Israel, were hospitalized in intensive care after eating a chocolate praline containing hallucinogenic mushrooms during a family vacation in Akhziv. They were evacuated this morning (Sunday) to the pediatric emergency department at the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, suffering from very dilated pupils and active hallucinations. The medical team provided initial treatment and identified neurological symptoms. After consultation with the National Poison Information Center, suspicion arose of poisoning from Psilocybe or Panaeolus mushrooms. These mushrooms contain active substances that can cause hallucinations, increased blood pressure, and in severe cases, seizures and cardiac damage. Due to the risk of developing additional symptoms, they were admitted for observation and close monitoring in the pediatric intensive care unit. Dr. Sally Makhoul, a physician in the pediatric emergency department, said the children arrived in a state of confusion, dilated pupils, and active hallucinations, and the team acted immediately to stabilize them. Dr. Tzvi Sheleg, deputy director of the Galilee Medical Center, described the incident as severe and life-threatening that has so far ended without critical injury, and called on the public to keep dangerous substances out of children's reach and to seek immediate medical care for any suspected poisoning.