Two children, ages five and six, were rushed on Sunday to the Galilee Medical Center with severely dilated pupils and experiencing hallucinations, after being exposed during a family vacation to chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Upon their arrival at the medical center, the children underwent an initial assessment, which found that they were stable from a respiratory and hemodynamic standpoint but were suffering from neurological symptoms.
Following consultation with the National Poison Information Center, poisoning from Psilocybe/Panaeolus mushrooms was suspected. These mushrooms contain active substances that can cause hallucinations, elevated blood pressure, and, in severe cases, seizures and cardiac complications. Due to the risk of additional symptoms developing, the two children were hospitalized for observation and close monitoring in the pediatric intensive care unit.
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."