During a vacation in the north: 2 children hospitalized after eating chocolate with hallucinogenic mushrooms

Two children, aged 5.5 and 6.5, were taken today, Sunday, to the emergency room at the Galilee Medical Center after eating chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms during a family vacation in Achziv. The two are in stable condition but are suffering from neurological symptoms, including dilated pupils and hallucinations. Their parents, a couple from the center of the country, stated they are "shocked" and "do not know how to explain the incident."

The hospital reported that after consulting with the National Poison Information Center, there was a suspicion of poisoning from Psilocybe or Panaeolus mushrooms. Due to the risk of developing further symptoms, both children were hospitalized for observation in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Dr. Sally Machoum, a physician in the pediatric emergency department, said:

"The children arrived at our facility in a state of confusion, with dilated pupils and active hallucinations. We acted immediately to stabilize them and, in coordination with the National Poison Center, began treatment and monitoring. Due to the volatile nature of this type of poisoning, they were transferred for continued continuous observation in the pediatric intensive care unit."

Dr. Zvi Sheleg, Deputy Director of the Galilee Medical Center, added:

"This is a serious and life-threatening incident that has so far ended without critical injury thanks to the alertness of the parents and the rapid treatment by our medical teams. We call on the public to exercise maximum responsibility, to keep dangerous substances out of the reach of toddlers and children, and to seek immediate medical treatment for any suspicion of poisoning."