Two children, ages 5 and 6, were rushed to the pediatric emergency department at Galilee Medical Center after eating chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms during a family vacation. They arrived at the hospital suffering from confusion, dilated pupils and hallucinations and were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for observation and monitoring.
The children underwent an initial medical assessment upon arrival at the emergency department. Their respiratory and hemodynamic condition was stable, but they were experiencing neurological symptoms. Following consultation with Israel's National Poison Information Center, doctors suspected that they had been exposed to Psilocybe or Panaeolus mushrooms.
These types of mushrooms contain psychoactive substances that can cause hallucinations and elevated blood pressure and, in severe cases, seizures and cardiac complications. Because of concerns that their condition could deteriorate or additional symptoms could develop, both children were transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit for continuous observation.
"The children came to us confused, with dilated pupils and active hallucinations," said Dr. Sally Makhom, a physician in the pediatric emergency department. "We acted immediately to stabilize them and, in coordination with the Israel Poison Information Center, began treatment and monitoring. Because of the unpredictable nature of this type of poisoning, they were transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit for continued close observation."
Galilee Medical Center Deputy Director Dr. Tsvi Sheleg said it was "a serious and life-threatening incident" that, so far, had not resulted in critical harm thanks to the parents' vigilance and the rapid medical response. He urged the public to keep dangerous substances out of children's reach and to seek immediate medical attention whenever poisoning is suspected.
