Two toddlers rushed to emergency room after eating chocolate spiked with hallucinogenic mushrooms
The children, aged five-and-a-half and six-and-a-half, have been placed under close observation in the hospital's pediatric intensive care unit (ICU).
Two toddlers aged five-and-a-half and six-and-a-half were brought to the Galilee Medical Center's emergency room on Sunday after eating chocolate laced with hallucinogenic mushrooms during a family vacation. The children were placed under close observation in the hospital's pediatric intensive care unit (ICU). Upon arrival, both children were physically stable but exhibited neurological symptoms.
The mushrooms are believed to belong to the Psilocybe/Panaeolus family and can induce hallucinations, raise blood pressure, and in severe instances, lead to seizures and heart damage. According to Dr. Sally Makhom, a physician at the Galilee Medical Center's Children's Emergency Department, the toddlers appeared confused, had dilated pupils, and were experiencing active hallucinations.
The medical team immediately stabilized the children and initiated treatment and monitoring in coordination with the National Poison Control Center. Due to the hazardous nature of this type of poisoning, the children were transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit for further supervision. Galilee Medical Center Deputy Director Dr. Zvi Sheleg emphasized that the incident, while ultimately non-critical, is serious and life-threatening, attributing their favorable outcome to the parents' vigilance and the prompt medical response.
The hospital urges the public to maintain strict responsibility, ensuring dangerous substances are out of reach of young children and to seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
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