Hallucinogenic Mushroom Poisoning: Child Safety Guide

Doctors report bizarre inident (Photo: Galilee Medical Center)

Two young brothers, ages 5 and 6, were rushed to the pediatric emergency department at Galilee Medical Center in northern Israel this week after consuming chocolate containing hallucinogenic mushrooms during a family vacation. The children arrived at the hospital with severely dilated pupils and experiencing active hallucinations.

Medical staff conducted an initial assessment and found the children to be stable in terms of breathing and blood pressure, but they were suffering from serious neurological symptoms. After consulting with Israel's National Poison Information Center, doctors suspected poisoning from psilocybe or panaeolus mushrooms, which contain psychoactive compounds that can cause hallucinations, elevated blood pressure, and in severe cases, seizures and cardiac damage.

Due to the risk of developing additional symptoms, both children were transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit for close monitoring. Dr. Sally Makhum, a physician in the pediatric emergency department, explained: "The children arrived in a state of confusion, with dilated pupils and active hallucinations. We immediately worked to stabilize them and, in coordination with the national poison center, began treatment and monitoring. Given the unpredictable nature of this type of poisoning, they were transferred for continued supervision in the pediatric ICU."

Dr. Zvi Sheleg, deputy director of Galilee Medical Center, emphasized the severity of the incident: "This is a serious and life-threatening event that has so far ended without critical injury thanks to the parents' alertness 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 attention at any suspicion of poisoning."

The hospital noted that similar cases have occurred in the past where children were accidentally exposed to dangerous substances.